Visit Livraria Lello in POrto
One of the most beautiful places in Portugal is one of the steep streets of the very centre of Porto, the facades of which are paved with azulejos, and the river Douro can be heard in the distance. It is not a mere bookstore, but a cultural shrine, a home-like piece of art and an intersection of literature, architecture and fantasy. To cross the threshold is to enter a time-less space, in which each detail narrates a story. The bookshop was established in 1906 by the Lello brothers, who wanted to establish the bookshop as an intellectual centre of the city. Since its inception it was known to be distinguished by elegance and quality of works on display which drew writers, professors and avid readers.
The construction of the building, which was designed by engineer Xavier Esteves, is a sophisticated work of Neo-Gothic style with Art Nouveau influences, which are particularly apparent in the adorned facade crossed by wavy lines and decorated with two painted figures of Art and Science. The first aspect that catches your eye before entering is the well-known central staircase. Constructed of dark wood, rubbed down by thousands of visitors, it divides itself into two graceful flights, which appear to be suspended in air. A dramatical, near surreal staircase, which begs you to go up one step at a time, as though the steps were chapters in a book. Over it is a magnificent stained-glass skylight, with the Latin motto Decus in Labore, that is to say, Honour in Work.
The light penetrates through the shelves and falls softly on the shelves above and beneath, forming a warm effect that gives the impression of an embracing hug. There are also well carved wooden bookcases which extend to the ceiling, lined with volumes of all kinds: classics of Portuguese literature, and international, illustrated editions, poetry, philosophy and modern fiction. Each of the corners appears to be enticing to explore. There are small balconies on the inside, where you can look down upon the main hall, and always have new and novel views.
The fact that Livraria Lello is able to combine the past and the present is one of the most attractive things about it. Its historic soul is not lost, though the bookshop is perfectly adapted to the contemporary world. It accommodates book presentations, cultural events and temporary exhibitions and is a vibrant, dynamic place in permanent communication with its audience. It is commonplace to find tourists with cameras and absorbed readers sitting on the steps of the staircase and visitors flipping through a book slowly and being engrossed by the environment around them.
Livraria Lello has gained worldwide recognition over the recent years as well due to its alleged connection to the Harry Potter world. J. K. Rowling is said to have lived in Porto during the 1990s and used this location as the inspiration of certain settings in the saga. The magic atmosphere which cannot be neglected in the bookshop is really unquestionable. As you pass through the shelves, you get the feeling that the books may come alive at any moment.
Going to Livraria Lello is not merely another place to purchase a book, but a total sensory experience. The smell of paper, the reverent silence interrupted only by the gentle footsteps, the very light on the wood, the murmur of languages which is heard everywhere in the world, are what it is. It is a place which glorifies the strength of tales and the worth of wisdom.
In such a lovely city like Porto, Livraria Lello is one of the places that cannot be overlooked. It is an expression of love of reading, an intergenerational divide of readers and a physical reminder of how books can unite people. The people who leave this bookshop with them have so much more than what they buy: a memory, a feeling and, in many cases, a strong urge to go back.
What to See In Livraria Lello
A visit to Livraria Lello in Porto is an experience of entering one of the most suggestive cultural spaces in Europe where each space is worth attention and each detail narrates something. This must not be missed as it is a journey of architecture, art and imagination: a journey, and considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. The exterior facade can, doubtlessly, be considered the first thing to observe. On Rua das Carmelitas, Livraria Lello is a fine example of the Neo-Gothic style, full of curvy lines, with references to Art Nouveau. There are two painted figures at the top of the entrance, depicting the arts and science, almost a challenge to pass through the door of knowledge. It is a genuine monument in honor of books. As soon as you enter, the first thing that catches your eye is the famous central staircase. Constructed of dark polished wood, it splits into two flights which ascend in harmony to the upper floor. The most photographed part of the bookshop is the theatrical look of the bookshop itself and the feeling of movement it gives. By taking your time to climb these steps, you get to understand the building structure in various perspectives and it has a changing viewpoint. With your eyes raised, you encounter one of the treasures of Livraria Lello; the big stained-glass skylight. This is the motto in Latin whose meaning is Honour in Work. The glass lets in the natural light, which gives the rooms natural warm colors and predisposes a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
This is not just a decorative detail, but also expresses the spirit of the bookshop, founded on a love of culture and intellectual commitment. Another essential feature to see are the carved wooden bookcases that cover the walls up to the ceiling. Richly decorated, they house thousands of volumes ranging from Portuguese literature to great international classics, as well as poetry, non-fiction and illustrated books. Walking among these shelves is an immersive experience: every section invites discovery, every cover seems to promise new adventures. Continuing the visit, it is worth stopping to look at the small interior balconies and the walkways on the upper floor. From here you can contemplate the main hall from above, admiring the harmony of the whole and the magnificence of the staircase. These vantage points offer a moment of pause and allow you to take in the bookshop in its entirety, as if it were a single great stage in homage to reading. Among the best-known curiosities linked to Livraria Lello is its supposed connection with the world of Harry Potter. It is said that the author J. K. Rowling lived in Porto in the 1990s and that it was here she found inspiration for some of the settings in the saga. Even if there is no official confirmation, many visitors look for echoes of the wizarding world in the shape of the staircase and in the mysterious atmosphere that can be felt there. True or not, the charm of the place is more than evident. Beyond the architecture, it is also interesting to explore the special editions and exclusive books published by Livraria Lello, often characterised by artistic covers and refined design. These volumes are a perfect souvenir of the visit and testify to the bookshop’s commitment to promoting reading also through aesthetics.
What is truly worth “seeing”, however, is the atmosphere of the place itself. The smell of paper, the soft sound of footsteps on the wood, the voices of visitors from all over the world and the respectful silence of readers create a unique sensory experience. Livraria Lello is not just a space to look at, but an environment to be experienced slowly.
Livraria Lello is a place that must be included in a city as charming as Porto. This is where you find out that a bookshop can be a work of art and books can not only be read, but also looked at. When you walk out, you leave behind with you not only a photograph or a volume, but even the memory of a place where beauty and culture intersect and where each time you visit, you have a permanent feeling.
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