Livraria Lello, Art Nouveau bookstore in Vitória district, Porto, Portugal
Description
Livraria Lello is an Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic bookstore in the Vitória district of Porto, Portugal. The wooden spiral staircase divides at the top and leads to shelves beneath colored glass windows and painted wood panels.
History
Architect Francisco Xavier Esteves designed the building after extensive renovations of the original 1869 bookstore. It opened in 1906 and has remained in operation since.
Culture
Readers browse Portuguese first editions and foreign classics while others examine the carved ceiling overhead. Staff often recommend titles by local authors alongside international works.
Practical
The 5-euro entry ticket can be applied toward book purchases. A line often forms on the sidewalk before opening in the morning.
Did you know?
The Latin motto 'Decus in Labore' in the glass ceiling means dignity in work. The staircase divides at the top into two symmetrical arms leading to different levels.
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