Livraria Lello

3 years ago

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The most iconic bookshop in Porto is Lello Bookshop - the building itself being considered a Monument of Public Interest. Some believe that this bookshop was the place where J.K. Rowling took inspiration for Hogwarts’ stairs. Rowling herself has denied this, but there are many other Porto and Portugal inspired aspects within Harry Potter - since the author lived in Porto during her writing. There are Harry Potter Free Tours in Porto if you are interested. The bookshop has a magical feel that is indeed reminiscent of the world of Harry Potter. The shop has been architected in a Neo-gothic style and is considered by many as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. A little outside of Lello, you can find the old building of Porto University, the Fountain of the Lions (also said to have inspired the Gryffindor house mascot) and the stunning churches of Carmo and Carmelitas, with their incredible exteriors decorated with azulejos. In that small square you may be lucky to find some university students in their traditional garments, who also inspired Hogwarts’ vests. (Price is redeemable if you buy a book) Photo Credits: Photo by Ivo Rainha on Unsplash