The mystery and mystique of the Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is an art nouveau bookstore situated in Oporto, also called Porto, which is the second biggest city in Portugal and a UNESCO Heritage site. Opened in 1906, this bookshop makes you feel like you are in a different time and era. Located not far from “Soares dos Reis”, a Museum of Art, and the Photography Museum, this is one of the most magnificent book shops one can imagine. Livraria Lello is definitely a must-see in Porto.
With a gorgeous neo-Gothic design façade with just a hint of art nouveau, it is an old Bookshop, with an amazing interior. Designed by architect Xavier Esteves, the interior is even more stunning. Step inside, and you have a wonderland of stunning design, intricate decoration and volumes of books. Stained glass, carved wood, an amazing stairway, pressed copper, glass-enclosed bookshelves arched at the top. The centerpiece of this amazing shop is the beautifully curvaceous art nouveau red staircase connecting the two levels. The bright red steps invite you to ascend to the upper level. The pillars are ornamented with bronze bas-reliefs of Portuguese literature figures and there is a small track on the floor along which employees move carts filled with books.
Up the curving staircase is a pleasant four-table coffee shop. Enjoy selections of coffees, port wine and cigars. It’s the perfect place to stop for a moment before returning to the bustling downtown life outside. A really great place to escape from the world, or quietly read your new book; or to spend a long time browsing a few books. Even if you’re not after books, don’t miss this a little over 100 years old neo-Gothic confection that’s stacked to the rafters with new, secondhand and antique books, including foreign-language guidebooks and some literature. The books offered are largely Portuguese fiction and non-fiction. But Lello also sells many English and French books, including translations of Portuguese literature and poetry works.
