Grémio Literário (Lisbon)

Part of the charter states: …Considering that the purpose of this association is the culture of letters, and that through intellectual illustration it can contribute to moral improvement...

[2][3] In the first decades of its existence, the Grémio carried out a series of intense intellectual activities, with conferences and courses covering different areas of knowledge, taught by renowned experts at the time.

Mentions of the Grémio Literário are frequent in Portuguese nineteenth-century literature, including in works by authors such as Francisco Teixeira de Queiroz, Abel Botelho, and Ramalho Ortigão.

The award is intended to "annually distinguish original cultural works by Portuguese authors published or produced during the previous calendar year, in the fields of letters, arts and sciences".

[2] On 24 January 1996, the Grémio Literário was made an honorary member of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword, to mark its 150th anniversary.

Membership is no longer limited to supporters of one particular faction and its openness to people of all political views is considered by some to be one reason for its longevity.