ABOUT US
Livraria Lello, founded in 1906 in the heart of Porto, stands as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and a timeless tribute to literature, art, and human imagination. More than a bookstore, it is a living cultural institution that celebrates the transformative power of books and ideas.
From our historic Neo-Gothic building to our publishing projects and artistic initiatives, every aspect of Livraria Lello is guided by a deep respect for knowledge and creativity. Our team works together to preserve this heritage while shaping the future of the cultural experience — within the bookstore, through the Livraria Lello Foundation, and across global literary collaborations.
We value those who are driven by curiosity and purpose, who see culture as both a vocation and an act of generosity. To work at Livraria Lello is to be part of a story that continues to be written — one page, and one reader, at a time.
OUR VALUES
We dedicate ourselves fervently to humble but significant philanthropic endeavors, and our approach is best described by the adage “actions speak louder than words”.
1. GET THE WHOLE WORLD READING
We dream of a world where reading is part of everyone's daily life. We dream of a society in which books are engines of progress and a source of inspiration. Because the mission of getting the whole world to read is at the heart of everything we do, we aim to contribute, through our actions, to a more cultured world with more readers and more books. In short, to a happier world.
2. VALUE THE BOOK
We recognize the full value of the book as an object of knowledge, culture, and art. Carrying stories from generation to generation, books accumulate unique memories and become true treasures of inestimable value. We aim to play an active role in the preservation of this precious asset and have invested significantly toward this goal.
3. INVEST IN CULTURE
Since opening our doors, we have been a meeting place for readers, authors, and lovers of arts and letters. With the book at the center of all our activities, we use it as a foundation to welcome and promote a wide range of cultural expressions.
4. BE A BENCHMARK IN CULTURAL TOURISM
The uniqueness of the “Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World” attracts tourists from all over the planet. We are committed to welcoming them with the hospitality characteristic of Porto (and Portugal). We aim to provide our visitors with a unique experience, contributing to the growth of cultural tourism in our city.
5. PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
We dream of a fairer, more dignified, more inclusive, and more sustainable world. Therefore, with absolute respect for our environment, we guide our actions by rigorous standards of economic, environmental, and social responsibility.