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Address R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal Hours Open today · 10AM–7:30PMThursday10AM–7:30PMFriday10AM–7:30PMSaturday10AM–7PMSunday10AM–7PMMonday10AM–7:30PMTuesday10AM–7:30PMWednesday10AM–7:30PMSuggest an edit Similar Palácio da Bolsa, Clérigos Church, São Bento railway station, Dom Luís I Bridge, Church of São Francisco Profiles | ||
Livraria lello in porto portugal harry potter library inspiration
Livraria Lello, also known as Livraria Lello & Irmão or Livraria Chardron, is a bookstore located in central Porto, Portugal.
Contents
- Livraria lello in porto portugal harry potter library inspiration
- Livraria lello e irm o de portugal a mais bonita do mundo
- History and developments
- Architecture
- References
Along with Bertrand in Lisbon, it is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. It is frequently rated among the top bookstores in the world, placing third in lists by the Lonely Planet and The Guardian.
Livraria lello e irm o de portugal a mais bonita do mundo
History and developments
The actual company goes back to the establishment of the "Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron" in 1869, down in the Clérigos street. After the early passing of the founder at the age of 45, the firm was sold to "Lugan & Genelioux Sucessores".
In 1881, José Pinto de Sousa Lello established a bookstore in the nearby Almada street with his brother-in-law. After the death of his brother-in-law, José began a new partnership with his younger brother Antonio Lello. In 1894, Mathieux Logan sold the old Chardron Library to José Lello which kept Chardron with the registered name of "Sociedade José Pinto Sousa Lello & Irmão", which then would be referred to as "Livraria Lello e Irmão" (1919).
The brothers hired engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves (1864-1944) to construct the new bookstore on Rua das Carmelitas, which opened 1906.
The Lello brothers were born to a landowner in Villa Ramadas, Fontes, Santa Marta de Penaguião. They both became prominent members of Porto's intellectual bourgeoisie around the turn of the century.
The bookstore was frequented by JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, when she taught English in Porto and is reported to be an inspiration for her writing.
Architecture
The facade is primarily neo-gothic style, with two figures painted on each side (the work of Professor Jose Bielman), representing Art (on the left) and Science (on the right). Some elements of the facade and much of the interior are decorated in Art Nouveau, also with some features of the Gothic Revival. The detailing of the walls on the upper floor is of Art Deco style.
Perhaps the most notable architectural feature of the building is the large curving staircase, with detailed wooden balusters.
The ceiling is painted plaster, designed to resemble carved wood. It features a stained-glass skylight bearing the latin phrase Decus in labore (Dignity in work).
The building still retains the rails and wooden cart once used to move books around the store.