[1][2][3][4][5] The Biblioteca Joanina is named after its founder, King John V of Portugal, who began construction on the library in 1717, during the onset of the Age of Enlightenment in Europe.

[6] The care taken in this respect is a direct consequence of the rarity and age of the documents in the library; the collection date from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, whose majority represent the best works from Europe at the time.

[6] The library contains about 250 thousand volumes, namely works of medicine, geography, history, humanistic studies, science, civil and canon law, philosophy and theology.

Inside, there are three great rooms divided by decorated arches, bearing the same style as the portal and entirely executed by Portuguese artists.

All the bibliographic works are in the best condition since the building is a perfect vault, with a stable environment, throughout the year, from summer to winter.