This looks like a place pulled straight from a Harry Potter film, but it’s actually just the Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura, a 19th-century library in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was constructed over 7-years (1880-1887) with a team lead by architect Rafael da Silva e Castro. This beautiful library holds the largest and most valuable collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal, with over 350,000 volumes filling its countless bookshelves. Continue reading for a video and more information.
According to My Modern Met, “In addition to its large collection of rare works, the Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura is known for its gorgeous architectural Neo-Manueline design, which evokes the Gothic-Renaissance style that flourished during the time of the Portuguese Discoveries. The white facade, which was carved out of limestone in Lisbon and then transported to Rio de Janeiro, is tall and imposing, bringing to mind the image of Gothic cathedrals and monasteries.”
