You’re in Lisbon, taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the sunny weather.
Suddenly, you notice an inviting bookstore called Livraria Bertrand. You go inside and are immediately struck by the lovely smell of books.
You wander around, taking in all the titles until you find a section on Portuguese authors. As you pick up a few books and start reading the back covers, suddenly, you hear someone calling your name.
It’s your friend who you met online and have been wanting to meet in person. You introduce him to your discovery, and they’re impressed too. You both spend the rest of the afternoon browsing books and talking about your love of reading and the rich history of literary destinations in Portugal.
Before you know it, it’s time to go. You say goodbye to your new friend and promise to keep in touch. As you leave, you make a mental note to come back soon. Places like this have a way of drawing you in, making you feel like you could spend an entire afternoon getting lost among the shelves.
Why is Portugal a top literary destination for bookworms?
Portugal is a veritable paradise for book lovers. As home to some of the most iconic literary destinations, it’s easy to see why bibliophiles from around the world are drawn to this beautiful nation.
The country’s connection to literature runs deep. Portugal is the birthplace of literary giants such as Fernando Pessoa, Eça de Queirós, José Saramago, and António Lobo Antunes. Their works have resonated globally and have won numerous awards. But Portugal’s literary charm extends beyond its famous authors. The country also has a rich tradition of publishing magazines, newspapers, and books.
There are dozens of publishing houses in Portugal, and the country’s libraries are filled with classic and contemporary titles in all genres.
Finally, Portugal is an excellent place to read books because of its beautiful setting that often inspires writers and readers alike. With its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and medieval villages, it’s no wonder that Portugal has been called a “literary paradise.”
Five Must-Visit Literary Destinations in Portugal
#1. Livraria Bertrand
The Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon was first opened to the Portuguese public in 1732.
The store is still in its original location, although it was destroyed in an earthquake and forced to relocate in 1755. The bookstore is still in business today and has been for almost 300 years.
The Bertrand Bookstore is a popular tourist destination, but the store keeps things distinctly Portuguese. 95% of the stock is centered around Portuguese language books, ranging from cooking to fiction to photography. There is a small English section within the bookstore that features classic works and a few contemporary bestsellers.
This bookstore is a living, breathing piece of history and one of the top literary destinations in Portugal.
#2. Livraria Lello & Irmão
The bookstore in Porto, Portugal, is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Hailed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello e Irmão in Porto is nothing short of breathtaking.
It has become a tourist attraction in recent years, but originally it was all about books. The two brothers who founded the store, José and António Lello, were passionate about books and opened the store in 1906.
The engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves designed the store, and it was beautiful from the beginning. However, it wasn’t until tourism took off that the bookstore started to become more of a tourist attraction.
J.K. Rowling apparently based the Hogwarts staircases on the one in Lello & Irmão. If you’re visiting Porto, make sure to check out this beautiful store.
Check out similar posts about Literary Destinations From Across The World For Booklovers
#3. Ler Devagar
Located in the trendy LX Factory district of Lisbon, Ler Devagar is more than just a bookstore. It’s a cultural experience. Housed in a former printing press, the space retains much of its industrial charm. There are towering bookshelves, machinery remnants and a large printing press still on display.
Ler Devagar means “read slowly,” and it encourages visitors to do just that. Boasting a collection of 50,000 books, it offers an eclectic mix of Portuguese and international titles.
The bookstore is also a hub of creativity as it regularly hosts art exhibitions, live music, and literary events. This makes it a modern icon among literary destinations in Portugal. For those passionate about books, art, and culture, Ler Devagar is a must-visit.
#4. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal
It’s not only the beautiful bookshops but also the magnificent libraries that make Portugal a top literary destination.
The Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa is the public library of Lisbon. It has a collection of over 1 million books, including rare and out-of-print titles.
The Library’s holdings encompass all subjects and genres and are constantly growing. It is not just a repository of content but also a platform for knowledge creation and sharing that engages the community it serves.
Conservation, access, and internationalization are the main lines of action in the Library’s management. Beyond making content available, the Library strives to increase its social value by promoting initiatives that are convergent with the world of research. In this way, the Library becomes a truly participatory institution.
#5. Biblioteca Pública do Porto
So the Biblioteca Pública do Porto is a public library in the city of Porto. It has a collection of over 500,000 books, including rare and out-of-print titles.
The library is housed in an 18th-century convent, and it’s beautiful – there’s a lovely small plaza surrounded by gorgeous azulejos. It’s a really peaceful place to relax.
I haven’t taken an official tour, but it’s on my list. The library is small, but it has plenty of seats for weary travelers and free wifi! They also have an online catalog that they’re actively working on to include all of their holdings. Many of these are not online, but the staff is very helpful.
In 1833, the Municipal Library of Porto was founded by decree of D. Pedro IV, and initially, it was located in Cordoaria. The Library was installed in this building only in 1842, after some adjustments. It’s much appreciated for its special funds, from Middle Ages to the present day.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why Portugal is a top literary destination for bookworms. The country has a rich history and culture, which is evident in its literature.
Portuguese authors are known for their lyrical prose, and their books often reflect the beauty of their homeland. Additionally, Portugal offers a wide variety of reading options, from traditional to contemporary authors.
And finally, the country’s relaxed lifestyle makes it the perfect place to curl up with a good book. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite author or just want to find a quiet spot to read, Portugal is sure to have what you’re looking for.
So pack your bags and head to Portugal – your next great literary adventure awaits!
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