The inauguration of the Lello Bookstore building was in 1906

Livraria Lello was inaugurated at number 144 Rua das Carmelitas, which led to a major impact on the cultural environment of the time. Large figures were present at the inauguration as Guerra Junqueiro, Abel Botelho, João Grave, Afonso Costa, among others.

Chardron Bookstore

This name can be seen in one of the stained glass facades of the building. This place belonged to an editor who published much of Camilo Castelo Branco's works.

José Lello bought the old bookstore and made it space we know today.

Buying the bookstore

The first owner of the bookstore (Ernesto Chardron) founded it with the money he won in the lottery. Some were found hidden on the shelves. Today lottery remains can be seen on a shelf on the 1st floor.

Temple of the Arts

The bookstore building, which still surprises today, was designed by engineer Xavier Esteves. The purpose of the brothers was to create a true temple of the arts.

The most beautiful bookstore in the world

Lello Bookstore was considered the third most beautiful in the world in 2008 by The Guardian. The travel guide Lonely Planet placed it in the top 3 of the most beautiful bookstores, and CNN considered it in 2014, the most beautiful in the world.

The details of the interior

When climbing the stairs it is impossible not to notice the detailed ceiling that is made of painted plaster and not of wood.
The stained-glass window in the ceiling, measuring 8 meters in length, is 3.5 meters wide and contains the symbol of the Lello brothers where "Decus in Labore" is written, which means dignity at work.

Inspiration for Harry Potter

JK Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter lived for a few years in Porto in the early 1990s. Although the writer never confirmed, the world charm of the Harry Potter films was inspired by the Lello Bookstore. The ladder of the bookstore served as inspiration for the stairs of Hogwarts castle, as well as the costumes of the students of the University of Porto, were the inspiration for the clothes that we can see in the film.

The Lello bookshop can be visited daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can book your voucher to Livraria Lello, general or skip the line with a book offer.

Enjoy and participate on a walking tour and discover the secrets of Porto

Also discover the history and secrets of Livraria Lello.