Livraria Lello

A neo-Gothic bookshop opened in 1906, famed for its red twisting staircase and stained-glass skylight. It is often called one of the world's most beautiful bookstores and is said to have inspired Harry Potter.

Livraria Lello was opened in 1906 by the Lello brothers on Rua das Carmelitas near the Clérigos Tower. It was designed by the engineer Xavier Esteves. Its neo-Gothic white facade has two murals symbolizing 'Science' and 'Art.' Inside, the crimson forked spiral staircase, carved wooden bookshelves, stained-glass skylight (bearing the Latin motto 'Decus in Labore,' meaning 'Glory in Labor') and busts of famous writers above the shelves have earned it repeated recognition as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. In the 1990s, J.K. Rowling taught English in Porto, and legend says the bookshop inspired the moving staircases of Hogwarts. Rowling herself denied this in 2020, but visitor enthusiasm has not waned. Because of heavy visitor traffic, the bookshop has charged admission since 2015. A standard ticket costs about 8 euros, redeemable against a purchase in the shop, and higher-priced tickets include a selection of books. Tickets must be bought in advance on livrarialello.pt for a timed slot. You cannot buy tickets on site, only join the standby queue. The shop sells books in several languages, including works by the Portuguese writers Fernando Pessoa and José Saramago, as well as its own special editions. A visit takes 30 to 60 minutes. Photos on the staircase require waiting, and staff direct the flow of visitors. Nearby, you can easily visit the Clérigos Tower, the Carmo Church (with its huge blue-and-white tile mural on the outer wall) and the Lion Fountain Square (Praça dos Leões) by the University of Porto gate. Each is within a 5-minute walk. The pedestrian street Rua de Cedofeita nearby is good for shopping.

Livraria Lello

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