Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto
Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto
Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto
4
About
In 1833, the Municipal Library of Porto was founded by decree of D. Pedro IV, and initially it was located in Cordoaria. The Library was installed in this building only in 1842, after some adjustments. It is much appreciated for its special funds, from Middle Ages to the present day.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
32 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
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The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ166,281 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
In mid-September, we explored the Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto – the Public Library. From the exterior, this mid-1800's building is not that distinctive, but the interior courtyard is another completely different story. The courtyard is a grassy plaza, surrounded by a colonnaded walkway, connecting the various interior rooms, and departments of the Biblioteca, and is architecturally beautiful, and also serene.
The Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto is situated directly across from the lovely Jardim de São Lázaro, on Passeio de São Lázaro, and Rua de Dom João IV.
Our driver/guide informed us that it was a great resource for historical research, and though we did not tour the actual facilities, we did spend time in that interior courtyard. That alone, made this a “must-see” location, even if the exterior architecture is not that exciting.
The Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto is situated directly across from the lovely Jardim de São Lázaro, on Passeio de São Lázaro, and Rua de Dom João IV.
Our driver/guide informed us that it was a great resource for historical research, and though we did not tour the actual facilities, we did spend time in that interior courtyard. That alone, made this a “must-see” location, even if the exterior architecture is not that exciting.
Written May 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lorrainem1957
Bidford-on-Avon, UK329 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Quite unique in an old convent cloisters still there but with glass panels, interesting old mathematic and astronomy books. A copy of every book ever written in Porto housed at this library. Also a very interesting staircase which influenced Harry Potter writer, well worth a visit .
Written July 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mscoachbeth
London, UK98 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
We just happened upon this place and wouldn't have gone in except for professional curiosity as myself and my friend have both worked in libraries. We were so glad we did! It was incredibly beautiful with murals from the time it was monastery/ You were free to walk around the internal courtyard and throughout the library. Definitely a lovely spot and it would be a nice place to rest and seek peace if you felt tired of sight seeing. There was also a children's' section so if you had kids, you could have a break while they played in the children's library.
Written March 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
esauboeck
Pasadena, CA11 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
I am amazed to read the review that so trashed this place. As a librarian myself, I have never seen such an opulent building for a public library, and a library that has been one since 1833! A former convent, the walls are covered in 18th-century (and earlier) tiles. When we were there, a really thoughtful exhibition about a Portuguese literary magazine was on display, which included English translations, and the front desk has an explanatory sheet in English. In another room, an exhibit of Portuguese authors was enlightening, even though I have little Portuguese. Remember, it IS geared toward a local audience, and so has no reason to strive to please tourists by speaking English. We nerdy sorts thought it was well worth the visit.
Written May 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,372 contributions
May 2022
It used to be a convent but now is the major city library. A big white stucco building set on a very pretty park, worth seeing.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
777jmb
Cambridge, MA155 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We found a description of the library in a 1908 Baedeker guide recommending the site. It was converted to a library about 60 years before that was written and now has settled into that life and doesn’t seem to register in 2018 as it did in 1908. But if you’re in Portugal and have the time it’s worth the visit — especially if you like a mix of modern use mixed in with some
architectural antiquity.
architectural antiquity.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen N
Porto, Portugal29 contributions
Mar 2018
The library is housed in an 18th c. convent and it is beautiful. A lovely small plaza is surrounded with gorgeous azuelos. Peace and quiet indeed. Haven't taken an official tour, but it is on my list. The library itself is small, but it has plenty of seats for a weary traveler and free wifi! I go there just to relax. Also an online catalog that they are actively working on to include all of their holdings. Many of these are not online, but the staff is very helpful.
Written March 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joana B
2 contributions
Mar 2017 • Business
Extremely unfriendly and burocratic staff who have no idea what they are doing there and what a library is for. You will spend some time figuring out by yourself where you can finally sit down to work or study, if you find a place to plug in your computer. If you need a book, simply give it up! If you are there just to visit the biulding, well, it´s not worth it.
Written March 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto Information
Excellent Reviews | 14 |
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Very Good Reviews | 13 |
Biblioteca Publica Municipal do Porto Photos | 47 |