How to visit and what to see in Librería Lello (Porto): schedules, prices

One of the visits that no one wants to miss in their trip to Porto is Lello Bookstore, which I was able to discover during my recent visit to this Portuguese city on the occasion of the inauguration of the Bluesock hostel.

In this neogothic building from the beginning of the 20th century that in recent times has become a essential visit among all the tourists who travel to this Portuguese city.

Interest has reached such a point that the owners have established the need for pay an entrance fee to visit the bookstore.

Please note that in 2017 the bookstore underwent a deep cleaning and repair of all its elements, starting with the façade, so that it now shows a splendid image, similar to the one it had when it was founded in 2006.

Where is the Lello Bookstore in Porto

La Lello bookshop You find it in the historic center of the city, right halfway between the Clerigos Tower  and Carmo church. which are other of the important visits of Porto.

The history of this bookstore could not be understood without the brothers José and Antonio Lello, who were the founders of this highly visited cultural space, and of course the bookseller who gave it its splendor for 52 years, the Mr. Domingos.

What to see when visiting Lello Bookstore in Porto

Before entering the interior of the bookstore, it is important to look at the facade of neo-gothic style, which is already impressive on its own, but without detracting from the windows and the two figures that flank it.

As you move inside the bookstore, your attention is first drawn to the imposing staircase.

Also noteworthy are the ceilings that appear to be made of wood, but are actually a simulation made with carved plaster.

Without a doubt, this staircase has become the target of all visitors' photos due to its originality and beauty.

La staircase of the Lello Bookstore in Porto You will find it in the center of the establishment.

As with the ceiling, the painted plaster technique has been used in its construction for the entire impressive and striking ornamentation.

Behind the stairs we see two bronze busts of the sculptor Abel Salazar, belonging to two of the great writers of the Iberian Peninsula, Miguel de Cervantes y Eça de Queriroz.

It is a staircase with a large vertical rise that has a curious layout, ending in two side accesses to the upper room.

On this second floor there is a room with seats for reading, and you will also see wooden floors and handrails, in addition to the columns that rise from the lower floor.

The window area has privileged views over the aforementioned Clerigos Tower.

Crowning the room we find a stained glass window 8 meters long and 3,5 meters wide in which we can read the phrase “decus in labore","dignity at work".

This motto links with the golden rule of the Lello brothers that applies to everyone who enters this house.

Visiting times for the Lello Bookstore in Porto

The schedules to visit the Lello Bookstore in Porto They are, Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.

El Lello Bookstore entrance price It is 5 euros, an amount that is discounted internally if you buy a book.

The ticket office is located right in front of the entrance, in a striking booth painted with a graffiti.

Without a doubt it is a very special visit, a place with a lot of magic that you should not miss within your trip to Porto.