The story behind Livraria Lello
Just a 3-minute walk from Hotel Moon & Sun Porto, you will find Livraria Lello, an internationally recognized space for its extraordinary architecture and which carries over a century of enchanting stories.
The opening of the bookshop dates back to 1869, when Ernesto Chardron headed to the city of Porto. After winning the lottery, the French publisher inaugurated the International Bookshop of his name, dedicated to the first publications of the great works of the important authors of Portuguese literature. However, it was only in 1881 that José Pinto de Sousa Lello dedicated this establishment exclusively to the trade and publishing of books, together with an art gallery and gathering space, thus causing a great impact on the cultural environment of the undefeated city.
To this day, Livraria Lello is one of the most emblematic neo-Gothic buildings in Porto. The space stands out in the urban landscape for its windows representing Art and Science painted by the Belgian artist Joseph Bielmann, for the busts of several national authors sculpted by Romão Júnior, for the large stained glass window in the skylight with the motto “Dignidade no Trabalho” (by the Dutch artist Van Krieken) and the huge staircase in its centre.
On your visit to Moon & Sun Porto, don't miss the opportunity to get to know deeply this international monument.
