History and Culture
On the outside a typical Portuguese construction, full of delicate details. Inside, imposing and filled with history. The facade also includes shields and coats of arms that complete the architectural style and show Portuguese patriotism. On March 2, 1863, under the direction of the Comendador brothers Manoel Joaquim Rodrigues and Francisco José Rodrigues Pedreira, it was decided to install a literary society in the city called “Gabinete Português de Leitura”.
Gabinete Português de Leitura. Foto: Amanda Oliveira.
The Bahian Cabinet was created with the purpose of acquiring “works of recognized utility, written in the Portuguese and French languages, and those later deemed to be more accurate, as well as the main newspapers published in Portugal and Brazil” (Ata n. 1, 1863). Its founders sought to maintain the union bonds between the Kingdom and the Luso-Bahian community, establishing a Portuguese culture nucleus in Bahia through the Library.
The Infante D. Henrique Library aims to gather, organize, catalog, and preserve the bibliographic collection existing in Gabinete Português de Leitura in order to disseminate the information and knowledge about the history and culture of Portuguese speaking countries. It gathers approximately 25,000 volumes, among books, leaflets, periodicals that are being reorganized. Besides the visitation, Grammar and Writing courses are offered weekly. Learn more at this link.
Service
Gabinete Português de Leitura (Portuguese Reading Cabinet)
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Address: Praça da Piedade, no number – Dois de Julho, Salvador – BA, 40070-010
Near the Lapa exit at the subway station, in front of Lapa Shopping Mall.
Phone: 71 3329-5758
Website: www.gplsalvador.com.br
