Porto's Livraria Lello, or Lello Library, is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Designed by Francisco Xavier Esteves in Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, it was opened by the Lello brothers in 1906. Since then, it has impressed both locals and tourists.
The library features intricately carved wooden panels, a grand curving staircase, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a stained-glass skylight. It's a must-see attraction in Porto. The store's popularity has soared due to its rumored connection to the Harry Potter series. Many believe Livraria Lello inspired some of the famous Hogwarts scenes.
This guide will help you learn everything about Lello Library, including how to get tickets for your visit.
Lello Library - In a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 1 hour |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | 9am |
| 💜 Must-see: | The Little Prince Theme Room |
| 🚇 Closest Metro: | São Bento |
Things to know
| Type: | bookstore |
| Architectural style: | Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau |
| Architect: | Francisco Xavier Esteves |
| Opened: | 1881 |
Must see
Gemma
José Saramago Room
The staircase (from top)
The Little Prince Theme Room
Opening hours
Daily from 9am to 7:30pm
Closed on December 25, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and June 24
Address:
R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Why is it worth visiting Lello Library?
Architectural beauty
The Neo-Gothic building features intricate designs, including the iconic staircase and a stunning stained glass window.
Artistic installations
Exhibits like "The Face of Porto" and "Livraria Lello X Time: What Makes a Nobel?" enhance the experience.
Historical Significance
The library preserves traces of its rich history throughout the building.
Special Collections
The Gemma room houses rare books, manuscripts, and first editions.
Unique rooms
The José Saramago Room and the Little Prince Theme Room offer unique thematic experiences.
Photogenic spot
Popular for its picturesque interiors, the library is perfect for photography.
Lello Library tickets
History of Lello Library
Founded in 1869 by Ernesto Chardron, initially known as Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron, Lello Library in Porto, Portugal, has a rich and storied history. After Chardron's passing, the bookstore changed hands several times until it was acquired by José Pinto de Sousa Lello and his brother António Lello in 1894. They commissioned engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves to design a new bookstore on Rua das Carmelitas, which opened its doors in 1906 as Livraria Lello.
Over the years, the bookstore underwent various name changes and ownership structures, eventually becoming known simply as Livraria Lello by 1930. In 1981, efforts began to classify the store as a Property of Public Interest, a process that concluded in 1994. Facing financial challenges in the late 20th century, Lello & Irmão formed Prólogo Livreiros S.A. and underwent significant restoration before reopening in 1995.
- 1869: Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron founded by Ernesto Chardron on Rua dos Clérigos.
- 1881: José Lello and his brother-in-law create the firm David Pereira & Lello.
- 1882: David Lourenço Pereira dies; the firm is renamed José Pinto de Sousa Lello & Irmão with António Lello.
- 1891: Chardron Bookstore acquires other bookstores in Porto.
- 1894: Mathieux Lugan sells his share of Chardron Bookstore to the Lello brothers.
- 1906: Livraria Lello, designed by engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, is inaugurated on Rua das Carmelitas.
- 1919: Bookstore renamed Lello & Irmão, Lda.
- 1930s-1940s: Store changes name between Livraria Lello and Lello & Irmão.
- 1981: Proposal to classify the store by the Secretary-of-State for Culture.
- 1993: Process of classification initiated by IPPAR.
- 1994: Declared a Property of Public Interest.
- 1995: Lello & Irmão forms Prólogo Livreiros S.A. and reopens after restoration.
- 2013: Special protection zone (ZEP) established.
- 2015: Entrance fees introduced for visitors.
- 2016: Artistic mural by Dheo and Pariz One covers scaffolding during restoration.
- 2022: Lello acquires Bob Dylan's letters for nearly $670,000.
The architecture of Lello Library
The Lello Library is a two-story rectangular structure that features a tiled roof and a southern-facing facade towards Rua das Carmelitas and Praça de Lisboa. The exterior combines Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with hints of Art Deco inside.
The main entrance on the first floor is marked by a pointed archway flanked by decorative windows, each topped by flags. Above the arch are three elongated rectangular windows adorned with painted figures symbolizing "Art" and "Science" by Professor Jose Bielman. The facade is completed with squared pilasters and pinnacles, showcasing alternating geometric patterns and the name "LELLO & BROTHER" in vibrant colors.
Inside, the spacious interior features a grand staircase with ornate wooden balusters leading to a gallery on the first floor. A prominent feature is the large stained glass window with the motto "Decus in Labore" and the owners' monogram. The ceilings and walls are intricately decorated with painted plaster resembling carved wood, preserving historical elements like rails and a wooden cart used for moving books.
Top highlights of Lello Library
1Livraria Lello X Time: What Makes a Nobel?
The "Livraria Lello X Time: What Makes a Nobel?" exhibition, created by Time's D.W. Pine, explores Nobel Prize-winning authors and other notable literary figures featured on Time magazine covers. Highlighting 143 authors and about 650 works in various languages, the exhibition delves into the history and controversies surrounding the Nobel Prize in Literature.
2Gemma
"Gemma" at Livraria Lello is a dedicated space for rare and valuable books, manuscripts, and first editions. It serves both as a gallery for literary treasures and a market for book collectors. Visitors can find unique collector's editions like the first edition of José Saramago's "Memorial do Convento" (€320), the rare first edition of Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" (€5,000), and Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" (€9,500).
3José Saramago Room
The José Saramago Room at Livraria Lello honors the only Portuguese-language Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, José Saramago. In collaboration with the José Saramago Foundation, this unique space features personal items, significant stories, memorable images, and all of his written works, celebrating the author's legacy. You can engage deeply with Saramago's imaginative, compassionate, and ironic storytelling that offers insights into elusive realities.
4The building
The Livraria Lello building in Porto is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture, standing out in its urban surroundings. Inside, the bookstore features elaborately carved arches, an imposing ceiling, and walls and columns with Art Deco influences, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors. The intricate design elements enhance the unique and historic ambiance of this iconic bookstore.
5The staircase
The iconic staircase at Livraria Lello is a central feature, known for its elegant design and apparent lightness that belies its sturdy construction. Described in a 1930 catalog as both enticing and intimidating, it continues to captivate visitors today. Many photograph it, sharing images widely online. Despite its wooden appearance, the staircase is actually made of reinforced concrete, making it one of the first of its kind in Portugal and ensuring its durability and safety.
6Stained glass
The ceiling of Livraria Lello boasts a striking stained glass window crafted by Dutch artist Samuel Van Krieken. This masterpiece, spanning 8 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width, features 55 vibrant panels meticulously restored to their original glory.
7The Face of Porto
Inside Livraria Lello, look up to the upper windows on the left to discover "O Rosto do Porto" ("The Face of Porto"), a special artistic display honoring the essence of Portugal's second city through its people. Created by Ester Monteiro and unveiled in 2018, this installation features 400 clay busts. Among them are notable figures like architect Siza Vieira, author Richard Zimler, and filmmaker João Botelho, alongside representations of everyday individuals such as Bolhão Market vendors and students from Nossa Sr.ª da Esperança College.
8The Little Prince Room
You can now visit the world of the Little Prince with the newly introduced Little Prince Theme Room. This dedicated space is filled with the magic and whimsy of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved work. They offer visitors a unique experience, showcasing related objects and launching special editions, including a commemorative edition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Little Prince, released in April 2023.
Best time to visit Lello Library
For the best experience at Lello Library in Porto, Portugal, aim to visit on a weekday morning. Weekdays are generally quieter compared to weekends, which can get very busy with long queues forming outside. Arriving early allows you to fully appreciate the enchanting neo-Gothic architecture and browse through the extensive book collection in a more peaceful atmosphere.
To further avoid crowds, consider planning your visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. These times offer milder weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, when Porto sees a significant influx of visitors.
In summary, for a serene and intimate visit to Lello Library, choose a weekday morning during the quieter shoulder seasons of spring or fall. This ensures you can soak in the bookstore's charm without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist times.
Opening hours
- Lello library is open daily from 9am to 7:30pm
- It’s closed on December 25, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and June 24
Getting to Lello Library
To reach Lello Library in Porto, Portugal, you have several convenient public transport options:
🚇 By Metro:
Take the D line to São Bento station. From there, it's an 8-minute walk up Rua dos Clérigos to Rua das Carmelitas.
🚕 By Taxi:
Taxis are readily available throughout Porto. The fare from the city center to Lello Library is approximately €10.
🚆By Train:
São Bento railway station is centrally located. Take a suburban train to Campanhã station, then it's a 10-minute walk to the bookstore.
🚌 By Bus:
STCP city bus lines 22 and 32 have stops close to Lello Library.
🚊 By Tram:
The historic 22 tram stops at São Bento station, a short walk from Lello Library.
Restaurants nearby
Reitoria offers a cozy dining experience with a focus on Portuguese cuisine. Located in a charming historic building, it blends traditional flavors with modern twists. Their focaccia sandwiches are absolutely delicious!
Casa Viúva is a local gem bustling with locals and savvy tourists. The owner serves hearty dishes like Pork Stew and Carne de Porco á Alentejana. Fast service, cash-only, and popular desserts like Cheesecake make it a must-visit.
Encaixados has an intimate dining with standout seafood dishes. Their shrimp starter and duck rissois are exceptional, while their octopus is possibly the best you’ll ever have. Don’t miss their phenomenal pear dessert. Reservations are highly recommended.
A Despensa offers an exceptional Italian dining experience with elevated dishes like truffle pasta and cocoa-infused cheese sauce. Its elegant ambiance, reasonable prices, and generous portions ensure a perfect dining experience for every visitor.
Other attractions around Lello Library
Clérigos Tower, an iconic Porto landmark, offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape from its 76-meter height. Designed by Nicolau Nasoni, visitors can ascend its narrow staircase for a breathtaking vista of Porto's historic center and beyond.
Porto Cathedral, a Romanesque gem dating back to the 12th century, boasts intricate Gothic and Baroque elements. Located in the heart of Porto's old town, its cloisters and historical artifacts provide a glimpse into the city's religious and architectural heritage.
Bolhão Market is a bustling marketplace renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh produce. Established in the 19th century, it offers a sensory experience with local fruits, vegetables, and traditional goods. Despite renovations, it retains its authentic charm and remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The House of Music in Porto is a modern architectural marvel dedicated to music and culture. Designed by Rem Koolhaas, it hosts concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres and performances in a dynamic setting.
Sá da Bandeira Theatre, a historic venue in Porto, presents a rich program of theater, dance, and music. With its ornate façade and intimate auditorium, it continues to be a cultural hub, offering performances that cater to diverse artistic tastes and interests.
