The Prettiest Bookshop in the World

Built in 1906 by the engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, the Livraria Lello building is packed with unique architectural details! Alongside some of the most iconic features of the space, there are now artistic installations and exhibitions that contribute to the mission of valuing books and authors.
There is, therefore, an abundance of reasons to visit the Prettiest Bookshop in the World!

Livraria Lello X Time: What Makes a Nobel?

The artistic intervention, Livraria Lello X Time: What Makes a Nobel?, signed by Time's creative director, D. W. Pine, highlights authors awarded by the Swedish Academy who were on the cover of the North American magazine, but also many others, not Nobel, who deserved first page honors.

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Gemma

Gemma* is the space that Livraria Lello dedicates exclusively to its most precious jewels. Rare Books, Manuscripts, First Editions, Luxury Books and Object Books, valuable works that draw the first traces of a constantly growing collection and catalogue. A privileged location, for those who seek the Book as an object of art, culture, pleasure and investment.

At the end of 2022, in an auction, we acquired the assets of Lello Editores. Part of this collection can be seen in the Sala Gemma.

*Access reserved by appointment and approval from Livraria Lello.

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José Saramago Room

Sala José Saramago was born out of a partnership between Livraria Lello and José Saramago Foundation. The space brings together first editions, works translated into different languages and personal objects selected by Pilar del Río, which tell unique stories about the only Portuguese-language writer who has won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

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Neo-Gothic Building

The Livraria Lello building is one of the most emblematic examples of the neo-Gothic style in the city of Porto and in Portugal, outstanding in its immediate surrounding urban landscape.

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Staircase

The single most emblematic feature of Livraria Lello takes centre stage inside: the iconic staircase.

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Stained glass window

A generously sized and brightly coloured stained glass window by the Dutch master Samuel Van Krieken embellishes the ceiling of the Prettiest Bookshop in the World.

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Traces of Livraria Lello's history

Throughout the building there are traces of the stories that make up the history of Livraria Lello, which we preserve and do not want to go unnoticed.

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Artistic Installation “The Face of Porto”

When you enter Livraria Lello, in the upper windows on the left, you will find the installation "O Rosto do Porto".

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The Little Prince Theme Room

The creation of the Le Petit Prince room, a new space filled with the magic of the work, also marks the beginning of a partnership between Livraria Lello and FASEJ – Fondation Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

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Temporary exhibitions

In addition to thousands of books and a building with details of rare beauty, those who visit Livraria Lello also find temporary exhibitions that share unique stories.

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Showcase

The Little Prince and his Rose now welcome anyone passing through Rua das Carmelitas. An artistic installation with the signature of Atelier Caviar/Opolab.

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