The unique setting of this institution makes the bibiloteca itamaraty (itamaraty library) an outstanding feature of the city's repertoire of libraries.

Palácio Itamaraty (Itamaraty Palace) was first constructed in the mid-nineteenth century by Francisco José da Rocha (1806-1883), a successful merchant of coffee and precious stones. In 1889 it was sold to the republican government and became the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which it remained until 1970 - hence the name Itamaraty, which translates as 'Foreign Ministry'.