Livraria Lello
Porto
Livraria Lello, located in Porto, Portugal, is one of the oldest and most celebrated bookstores in the country and ranks among the top bookstores worldwide. Founded originally as Livraria Chardron in 1869 by Ernesto Chardron, it was acquired and expanded by the Lello brothers in the late 19th century. The current bookstore building, inaugurated in 1906 and designed by engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, features a striking neo-Gothic facade with Art Nouveau and Art Deco interior elements, including its famous red staircase and a large stained glass window. Its rich history is intertwined with Porto's cultural and intellectual life, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The bookstore has been protected as a Property of Public Interest and was recently reclassified as a National Monument. It also serves as a cultural hub, hosting art galleries and literary events. Since 2015, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which is deducted from purchases, helping to preserve the building and manage tourism. Livraria Lello remains a symbol of Portuguese literary heritage and architectural beauty, inspiring visitors and book lovers alike.
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Astuce: To avoid long queues, purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon on weekdays. Entrance fees are deducted from any book purchase, offering good value for visitors. The bookstore occasionally hosts cultural events, so check their official website for updates before your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •Livraria Lello is frequently ranked among the top three bookstores worldwide by Lonely Planet and The Guardian.
- •The bookstore's stained glass window was designed by Dutch architect Gerardus Samuel van Krieken and measures approximately 8 by 3.5 meters.
- •The iconic red staircase inside the bookstore is a major attraction and has inspired many artists and writers.
- •In 2022, the bookstore acquired a collection of personal letters written by Bob Dylan during his youth.
- •The bookstore began charging an entrance fee in 2015 to manage high tourist demand and fund conservation efforts.
Histoire
Livraria Lello began as Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron in 1869, founded by the Frenchman Ernesto Chardron.
After his death, the business changed hands until José Lello and his brother acquired it in the 1890s.
The current iconic building was inaugurated in 1906, designed by Francisco Xavier Esteves.
Over the decades, the bookstore evolved through various ownership and name changes, becoming a cultural landmark in Porto.
It was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1994 and reclassified as a National Monument in 2026.
Restoration efforts have preserved its architectural integrity, ensuring its status as a treasured heritage site.
Guide du lieu
Neo-Gothic Facade1906
The bookstore's exterior features a distinctive neo-Gothic style combined with Art Nouveau elements, making it a prominent architectural landmark facing Praça de Lisboa.
Iconic Red Staircase1906
This grand double staircase is the centerpiece of the bookstore's interior, admired for its elegant design and vibrant color, offering a unique atmosphere for visitors.
Stained Glass Window1906
An 8-meter-long stained glass window composed of 55 panels, designed by Gerardus Samuel van Krieken, illuminating the interior with colorful light.
Art Gallery and Cultural Space1995
Since the 1995 renovation, the bookstore includes a gallery and a space for literary and cultural events, serving as a cultural hub in Porto.
Contact
Téléphone: 22 200 2037
