Lello Bookstore 110 anniversary

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world is Lello bookstore, built in 1906 in Porto, Portugal by The Lello Brothers (Antonio and Jose).

Lello is one of the most ornate bookstores in the world, mixing Neo-Gothic and Art Dec elements, carved wood ceilings, a stain-glassed roof, and an undulating, opulent red staircase.

According to Travel + Leisure magazine, it has inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books, as the writer has herself lived in the city of Porto for a short period.

The bookstore celebrates 110 years in glory, and now it is as much a tourist-attraction as a bookstore.

"Temples for the Literary Pilgrim", as the New York Times describes it, the shop is crowded on a daily basis with various nationalities. French and Spanish are amongst the top visitors of this extraordinary building.