Livraria Lello, since 1906
Livraria Lello's building is one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture. Its designer, Francisco Xavier Esteves, drew inspiration from the architectural trends of the time, combining different styles in a design where exuberance was the defining principle.
Architecture
On the façade, two figures painted by Joseph Bielmann stand out, representing Art and Science, the guardian goddesses of this temple of books. Inside the bookshop, Art Deco details adorn the ceilings, columns and walls, where visitors will also find busts of renowned Portuguese writers, including Antero de Quental, Eça de Queirós, Camilo Castelo Branco, Teófilo Braga, Tomás Ribeiro and Guerra Junqueiro.
At their feet, a set of railway tracks and a small trolley spark visitors’ curiosity. From 1906 until the early 1990s, this was the method used to transport books from the basement warehouse to the ground floor and then to the entrance of the bookshop. The trolley on display today is a replica of the original.
Speaking of origins, during the most recent major restoration works, lottery tickets were discovered hidden beneath the bookshop’s counters and shelves. It was later revealed that booksellers had glued them there in the hope of repeating Ernesto Chardron’s stroke of luck—he famously used his lottery winnings to open his bookshop.
The Stained-Glass
At the very top of this magical space is a vibrant stained-glass skylight designed by the Dutch artist Samuel Van Krieken. At its centre, alongside the Blacksmith who has become an iconic symbol of Livraria Lello, is the inscription Decus in Labore—Dignity in Work. The stained-glass panels were crafted by Vidraria Antunes, the oldest and, at the time, the most renowned stained-glass workshop in Portugal.
Tradition holds that every restoration should include a subtle detail reflecting the era in which the work was carried out. During the 2018 restoration, Livraria Lello’s stained-glass skylight received a smiley face. Today, it stands as a symbol of the joy that fills this house. Will you be able to spot it during your visit?
The Staircase
“Those walking through the room will then see the staircase, a piece of remarkable appeal, due to the appearance of lightness that conceals the boldness of its design,” reads the Livraria Lello & Irmão Catalogue, published in 1930.
Livraria Lello’s staircase was one of the first concrete staircases built in Portugal. It is this structure that makes it remarkably strong, despite its delicate, wood-like appearance, achieved through carefully painted stucco. At its base, visitors can find the signature of engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves.
However, the staircase’s most distinctive feature is its now iconic crimson colour. In 1993, during restoration works, the steps were mistakenly painted red. Before the mistake was corrected, sculptor Master José Rodrigues saw the staircase and was captivated by its new colour. Art has a way of finding its path through unexpected turns.
"The new Lello spaces are elegant, functional, and visually stunning"
Display Windows
Without stones, there is no arch
Livraria Lello’s 120th Anniversary Display Windows Inspired by "Invisible Cities" by Italo Calvino
Faqs
Livraria Lello’s Answers
Livraria Lello is open Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. We are closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 24 June and 25 December.
Livraria Lello is located at Rua das Carmelitas, 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal.
For more information on how to get to Livraria Lello, please visit the Plan Your Visit page.
You can purchase your Ticket-Voucher online before your visit. If you have not purchased it by the time you arrive at Livraria Lello, you can do so on the spot using your mobile phone. Should you need any assistance, simply speak to a member of our staff—we will be happy to help you through the process.
Livraria Lello accepts the following payment methods: cash, Multibanco, Visa and MB WAY. Please note that if you purchase your Ticket-Voucher while in the queue, cash payments are not accepted.
Ticket-Vouchers will be sent to your email and made available in your personal account area (if you have created an account on our website). You may print them or present them on your mobile device (smartphone or tablet) at the entrance of Livraria Lello at the time of your visit.
For children up to and including 3 years old, entry to Livraria Lello is free of charge. Please note that, at the time of the visit, you must have an official proof of the child’s age with you.
Entering Livraria Lello with suitcases and travel backpacks is not permitted.
