In Porto, Lello library inspired the author of Harry Potter. JK Rowling, the famous author lived in Porto in the early 1990s. In this library, an emblematic monument of the city, she started to write the first volume of the saga Harry Potter. Her books, of huge success worldwide, were adapted as feature films for the cinema.
Library Lello, in the neo-gothic style, is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Built by the engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, and inaugurated in 1906. Located at 144, rue des Carmelitas, this bookstore has magnificent architecture and sumptuously carved woodwork inside.
The particular central staircase with double orientation inspired JK Rowling. She often spent time in the bookstore. In the book «Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone», the stairs at Hogwarts library, would be inspired by the Lello bookstore.
The decorative painted gypsum board remarkably imitates the wood. A large stained glass ceiling surmounts the library, bearing the motto of the bookstore: Decus in Labore, dignity at work. The carved pillars represent the busts of famous Portuguese writers.
This beautiful cathedral of books brings together old and new books: guides of foreign languages, literature, and books in different languages.
