Books open doors to new worlds, ideas, and emotions. They let us travel through time, explore different lives, and understand others better.
One of the most beautiful places to enjoy books is Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal. Opened in 1906, this historic bookstore is famous for its stunning staircase, stained glass ceiling, and magical atmosphere. It feels like stepping into a storybook—and it’s said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing Harry Potter.
Ritva leads us this week in the Lens Artist Photo Challenge with the topic of Books.
Here are some books waiting on the shelves, ready to be picked up and enjoyed.
And look what I found—The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, my all-time favourite book. They have an area all dedicated to it. But unfortunately it is not in English.
Livraria Lello is more than a bookstore—it’s a place where the love of books truly comes to life.
The stairs were so crowded, I couldn’t get a good photo—but the view was still magical in person.
And the stained glass window… I’m honestly speechless. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
A fantastic library Teresa
Thanks Brian, it is really something !
How amazing!
Thanks Coral, I think so too.
Wow. An absolutely wonderful destination in its own right. What a fund!
Wonderful but very tourist!
What a great book store, it would be an experience to visit it.
True, it is really an experience.
I would so love to see this in person Teresa – a great choice for the challenge! Interestingly The Little Prince is one of my favorite books as well. French is my second language and I have the book in both French and English. Brilliant in its simplicity and wonderful for young and old alike.
You should see it Tina, it is really an experience. Thanks for commenting.
This bookshop featured in an architecture/design programme on TV here a while ago – it looks amazing!
It sure does look amazing! I bet you will see it in person soon! 👍🏻
Every time I visited Porto I never went there and now it’s too touristy 🙁 The Little Prince is also one of my favourite books. There’s people who collect it in the languages of the places they visit. We get loads looking for it in Scots and Gaelic.
Collecting the book in different languages is a great idea…too bad, I just collect fridge magnets. Yes, it is overly busy. Thanks Sofia for the comment.
Great photos of an unusual place. I kick myself for not visiting when I was in Porto.
It is not hard to miss things when traveling. Maybe next time John.