Biblioteca da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa

Founded alongside the institution in **1875**, the **Biblioteca e Cartoteca da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa (SGL)** is one of Portugal's most significant specialized research libraries. Located in central Lisbon, it serves as an indispensable repository for geographical, cartographic, historical, and travel research. The library's extensive catalog comprises nearly 90,000 cataloged records, encompassing over 37,000 monographs, thousands of specialized periodicals, and rare manuscripts. Its collection grew rapidly through acquisitions and major historical donations, including the transfer of holdings from the former *Comissão Central Permanente de Geografia* (1880), the *Associação Marítima Colonial*, and the personal library of the Marquês de Lavradio. A highlight of the collection is its priceless archives (*espólios*) and field journals belonging to renowned 19th- and 20th-century Portuguese explorers, including Hermenegildo Capelo, Roberto Ivens, Serpa Pinto, Silva Porto, Henrique de Carvalho, and aviator Gago Coutinho. Complementing the library is its renowned **Cartoteca** (Map Library), which preserves over 6,000 cartographic items. This includes roughly 5,200 printed maps, hundreds of hand-drawn manuscript maps, and rare historical atlases dating back to the 16th century, featuring masterpieces attributed to cartographers such as Giovanni Agnese and João Teixeira. Today, the library remains an active hub for international scholars and researchers. Although materials are strictly restricted to in-person consultation in its reading room on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, access is supported by an online digital archive and searchable catalog.