After buying a ticket as I entered the bookshop with simple façade,
least I expected to see the grandeur
inside the book shop. Carvings adorned every corner of the book shop. Exquisitely
carved ceilings, beautifully decorated walls, pillars and well organized books
welcomed me. Oh! That was nothing. There in the centre was a staircase with
stunning curvaceous design. It’s completely carved and its bright crimson steps
brightens the wooden staircase. Undoubtedly staircase is the show stopper of
the book shop.
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Staircase of Lello bookshop, the show stopper
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| Lello book shop |
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While climbing up the staircase I noticed the incredible
design of the staircase with intricately
carved ceilings and wooden balusters. From the first floor I could see the skylight ceiling with stained glass. In
the center it reads ‘ decus in labore’ Later I understand the translation as ‘
dignity in work’ which was the monogram of founders of the book shop.
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| View from the first floor |
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| Stained glass with monogram dignity in work |
Livraria lello is the child of two Portuguese brothers who
were interested in art and literature and was designed with the support of the
architect Xavier Esteves in the year 1906.
On the first floor some were indulged in reading. They say
that J K Rowling while living in Porto often was visiting this place and was
the muse for her books. This book shop also has inspired many other writers as
well.
External façade is in neo gothic style having the painting
of two people symbolizing science and anthropology.
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| Lello bookshop façade design |
Livraria Lello is located in the center of the city very close to Porto’s
iconic structure Clergies tower. Lello book shop has its place as one of the world’s
most beautiful bookshops in BBC and Lonely planet’s list.
Book lovers, don’t forget
to visit this place!! Have you been to any other charming bookshop. Would like to hear from you.
Travel notes
- There is a ticket counter in front
of the shop. 3Euros per person. On purchase of a book 3Euros will be waived
off. I felt it is reasonable considering this is a private property
- Opening hours 10 am to 7.30 pm
- This book shop has English books as well along with Portuguese books
