Buying and reading books for many lovers of literature is a real ritual of going to a favourite bookstore, where with a cup of hot coffee or tea can be enjoyed in the study and listings of various interesting editions. The bookstores are the centre of culture, a place where you can discover and explore, while at the same time you can meet like-minded people. There are so many fine bookstores worth not only to leave the house, but also to leave the country, just to spend time of reading books and complementing your library.
Livraria Lello is a great place to escape from everyday life, a place where you can relax and read your new book. Books are a window into the world, so go out there and “fly” to a different world where anything is possible
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If you decide to visit the bookstore Livraria Lello in the Portuguese city of Porto, you will be amazed, whether you are lover of books or not. Livraria Lelo is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. It was founded back in 1869 and still maintains the style Art Nouveau. In 2011, this bookstore was proclaimed for one of the most beautiful and best shop, ranked in third place of the top 100 bookstores in the world. Livraria Lello is housed in a building from 1906 designed by architect Xavier Esteves.
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The facade of this building is a beautiful example of neo-gothic design. With only one step inside this lovely construction you will see the beautiful design, decoration and thousands of books. From the floor up to the ceiling, bookstore is painted in rich texture. The pillars are decorated with bronze relief and figures of Portuguese literature. In Livraria Lello there are wonderful stairs, painted windows, carved shelves and gothic details which increase the effect. When you get on the top floor, sit in a coffee bar and enjoy with coffee, tea, glass of wine or get some of branded cigarettes that are on the menu.
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