The library in Rio is elected one of the most beautiful in the world

The Rio de Janeiro has just gained another reason for pride in the cultural and architectural scene. The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, in the heart of the city's historic center, has been elected the 8th most beautiful library in the world by the 1000 Libraries Awards, an international award that recognizes the most impressive reading spaces on the planet.

The choice places Brazil side by side with century-old references from Europe and Oceania, in a ranking formed from over 200 thousand votes from readers and travelers.

The distinction draws attention not only for the architectural grandeur of the Carioca building but also for the symbolism of keeping alive the Portuguese cultural heritage on Brazilian soil. By featuring among classic addresses such as the Trinity College Library in Dublin and the Admont Abbey Library in Austria, the Gabinete reaffirms its status as a world heritage site.

A architectural gem in the heart of Rio

Founded in 1837 by Portuguese immigrants who wanted to create a cultural meeting point for the Lusitanian community, the Real Gabinete gained its current headquarters in 1888. The project is a rare example of the neomanuelino style, inspired by Portuguese architecture from the age of great navigation. This language, characterized by detailed arches, sculptures, and ornamental details, gives the building an air of a Renaissance palace right in the Carioca capital.

The interior is even more impressive: monumental wooden shelves contrast with iron columns, which were chosen in a visionary manner as a safety measure against fires. The natural light that filters through the central stained glass illuminates thousands of books, creating an atmosphere that has been described by many visitors as magical. The collection exceeds 350 thousand volumes, including rarities such as the first edition of Os Lusíadas (1572) and manuscripts of classic Portuguese authors.

No wonder, the space has already been the scene of documentaries, television programs, and numerous photographic records from travelers who seek to know one of the best-preserved treasures of 19th-century architecture in Brazil.

What is the 1000 Libraries Awards

The award that gave visibility to the Gabinete is organized by the international foundation 1000 Libraries and has established itself as one of the most respected in the cultural sector. In its 2025 edition, the competition brought together 20 pre-selected libraries from various parts of the world. For two months, the public voted online, and over 200 thousand participations were registered, resulting in the final list of the 10 winners.

The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura appears in eighth place, surpassing iconic addresses in France and Germany. At the top of the list were the Trinity College Library in Dublin and the State Library of South Australia in Adelaide. This ranking reinforces the relevance of a space that, even far from Europe's major cultural centers, keeps alive a unique aesthetic and a literary tradition with global impact.

Cultural heritage and inspiration for architecture

The international recognition goes beyond the beauty of the building: it highlights the importance of preserving historical heritage that has become landmarks in the identity of cities. The Real Gabinete is not just a library; it is a space that translates the relationship between Brazil and Portugal, between architecture and memory, between past and future.

For architecture, the Gabinete represents an example of how European styles have been reinterpreted in the Brazilian context, creating buildings that today become tourist and cultural icons. The fact that the space is active, open to the public, and fully operational is proof of its vitality.

Thus, the election of the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world is not just a tribute to Rio, but an invitation for Brazilians and foreigners to know, preserve, and value this true temple of architecture and culture.

CASACOR Publisher is a content creator agent developed by the CASACOR Technology Team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.