Most people tend to save the best for last and I am no exception. When I was a kid, I loved to save the food I liked the most for last and thus the taste of it could linger in my mouth. Now I love applying the same theory on traveling so that the unforgettable memories of it would keep me very content.
Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore) is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and consistently being considered as one of the top 10 bookstores in the world. Rumor has it that the bookstore was part of an important inspiration forΒ JK Rowling to write Harry Potter’s library scene in Hogwarts as she enjoyed having coffee at the cafe of the bookstore during the time she lived in Porto back in 1990s.
Its fascinating story already aroused my interest in visiting the bookstore, but what made me decide to go there desperately was actually its intricate interior design.
Honestly, I was extremely nervous on the day I visited the bookstore. That nervousness was almost no different from the butterflies I get when I have a crush on someone (please don’t ask me when was the last time I had a crush on someone) π
The cramping sensation from my nervousness went away immediately once their staff opened the bookstore. When the crowd was fighting for a good spot to take pictures, this astonishing masterpiece made me hold my breath in awe. I had a hard time to understand how time travel actually happened. I lived in a modern world just 5 minutes ago, but almost everything had changed into Neo-Gothic style after I stepped into the bookstore. All I saw was a world of old glamour infused with romantic vibes.
Before I was deeply hypnotized by the facade, there was an aura from above caught my attention. It led me to the second floor where I saw a stained-glass skylight. Although the facade captured most of the attention from visitors, the stained-glass skylight was as attractive as the facade in my eyes. It directed natural light to the bookstore created a great contrast to the wooden decorations. Such an impression sank deep in my heart before I left the bookstore.
Being able to tick Livraria Lello off my bucket list uplifted my mood for the rest of the day and got me ready for Braga.
It only took me an hour to go from Porto to Braga. The minute I arrived here, I already started loving this city. Watching the sky changed from a lighter sky blue to a darker sky blue presented itself as a natural art gallery was enjoyable. Soaked in its rich cultural atmosphere and imagined that I was lucky enough bumped into a storyteller to tell me historical stories of Braga – from the time when it was once a significant metropolis of the Roman Empire to present.
Simply walking around already took me more than 2 hours, I almost forgot the ultimate reason why I had to go to Braga was to visit Bom Jesus do Monte – a Portuguese sanctuary.
Standing at the entrance of the sanctuary, I already felt its special vibes.
When I took my time to appreciate the surroundings, I found a miniature chapel placed at each corner of the stairway that led me to the major site of the sanctuary. I originally planned to go all the way up to the main site, but the chapel and the luscious green trees altogether created one of the most beautiful fairy tale scenes stopped me from doing so.Β Instead of stopping and staring at the scene, I closed my eyes and let it rejuvenate me with the tranquility here.
When the Baroque staircases placed in a zigzag form stood in front of me, it was the moment of truth. I finally came to know what its hype was all about. Camera could never do its justice for how magnificent it looked. Words could never describe the feelings I had when I first saw it.
Enjoying a breathtaking view at the stairway left me speechless. I felt like I was on top of the world with the sun as my companion. β€ What else could I ask for? π
Awesome Post!
You write really well. Just the way while reading Rowling’s books we are transported to Hogwarts, In the same context while reading this post- it was as though I was transported to Porto for a while & that’s the beauty of a good writer!
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Wow, I mean “wow”! This is exactly the reaction I had when reading your comment. I’m glad to know how much you enjoyed it, especially you felt like you were transported to Porto for a while when reading the post! Thank you very much for your kind words! Have a wonderful weekend! π β€
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Wish you the same. Cheers!
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Thanks a lot my dear friend! β€ Cheers! π
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Such beauty
And the book store
How lucky you are to see these places
Glad to have you back
I been thinking of you
π
As always Sheldon
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I was indeed very lucky to see such a beauty in real life. These beautiful places took my breath away. β€ Thank you so so much for asking and your incredible support! π I was too busy and sick. π¦ That's why I was M.I.A .
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Beautiful photos and very interesting places. Thank you for sharing π
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You’re most welcome. My pleasure to share with you all π I’m glad you liked these photos. Yes, very interesting indeed. You should consider visiting if you have a chance. Thanks a lot for your appreciation! π
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Life is a journey
To see places, meet with people
And bloom like a flower
(Beautiful photos. Thank you.)
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I couldn’t agree more with you. π This is exactly what I do to make my life more interesting. Thank you very much for your kind words and I really appreciate it. β€
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I’m glad if you enjoyed it.
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I do really enjoy it π π π
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π π π :):)
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Beautiful! I wish my former bookstore looked like that! Another great piece, I think the Portuguese government should hire you to create their travel brochures. Also there is a blog, Edge Of Humanity, I think, that you could submit your work to. Have a great weekend Khloe!
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Aww your comment made me speechless for real!!! You are too kind to say that. I wish Portuguese government could hire me to create their travel brochures! π I’ll definitely check that blog out. Thanks a billion to you for your encouraging comment and letting me know that blog Phil! β€ π Have a great weekend! π
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I have been to Porto, but missed that bookstore and will be forever sorry. Just your photos took my breath away. Thank you so much for posting these beautiful pictures taking me to places I would never have seen otherwise.
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You’re most welcome. I’m more than happy to share with you all. π I’m glad to show you how this stunning bookstore looks like, but sorry to hear you missed it. Thank you very much for appreciation and stopping by to comment! β€ π Enjoy your weekend! π
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Porto is a dream, and Braga is a pearl of beauty. Thank you so much Khloe, for awaking my desire again and again! π
I’ve been there every of the last 4 years and I love especially Porto. The only thing I can imagine to rise the beauty of this city is to see your silhouette in the sunset…
Beijinhos, Stefan
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Thanks a ton to you for your massive appreciation and i’m glad to know that I’m able to awaken your desire again and again!!! π β€ It means a lot to me. Porto has a special charm that is irresistible. I can totally understand why you love Porto so much (you know I feel the same too π ). "to rise the beauty of this city is to see your silhouette in the sunset" – Wow, you are too kind to say that! I don't know if my silhouette in the sunset can rise the beauty of Porto, but it is a wonderful idea to take a photo like that. π Thanks a lot again for taking your time to read my blog especially comment here! I'm grateful for that π β€
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The bookstore is absolutely breathtaking- it seems so magical and I can easily see how JK Rowling found inspiration within its walls! Thank you so much for sharing your experience… your pictures and writing are wonderful! Am now adding Portugal to my list of places to visit… π
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You’re most welcome. π My pleasure to share such an unforgettable experience with you guys. Yes, it is too magical that I wish I could stay there longer! π Yea, impossible not to be inspired by the gorgeous wooden walls π Portugal is definite a place worth visiting. β€ Thanks a lot for your compliment! Glad you enjoyed my photos and writing! It means a lot to me. π
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Breathtaking stunning pics. Lovely.. My dear friend candy
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Thank you so much for your appreciation and I’m glad you liked my pictures here! π Have a gorgeous weekend my dear friend! β€
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Absolutely stunning!
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Thank you very much your appreciation! π Have a great day! π
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Wow Khloe!!
Amazing pictures!! The bookstore looks like a dream! I’m sure I’ll be visiting Porto soon (thank you!!) and also Braga, that was already on my Bucket list π
You look really happy and beautiful on the picture. I’m sorry to hear that you were sick. I hope you feel much better now π
warm hugs to you! β€
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“looks like a dream” is a perfect description to describe this bookstore!!! β€ I'm glad you are convinced by to visit Porto soon π . Aww heaps of thanks to you for your sweet compliment! β€ You are say sweet things about me and my photos. Honestly, I was very happy that day and it was showing in the picture. π I'm doing find now. Thanks a lot dear!!! Big warm hugs to you as well! β€ β€ β€
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I used to save the best food for last as well. π What a grandiose trip and great capture of both places. Thanks for taking us there with your wonderful descriptions and magnificent images. β€
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High five to saving the best food for last!!! π It was indeed a grandiose trip. Thanks a ton to you for your kind words! π So glad you liked the pictures and descriptions! Always my pleasure to share with you guys! β€
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Khloe!! As always a fantastic post filled with beautiful architecture! I sometimes wonder if you are an architect by profession!!π
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Thanks a ton to you for your sweet compliments and being very supportive as always! β€ β€ β€ Sorry I was M.I.A again due to my busy schedule and sickness! I'm glad you are always here with me! π π haha I wish I could be that lucky to be an architect by profession! I do really love beautiful architectures (well I basically ;love all things beautiful) π Have a wonderful week dear! Super big Garfield hug to you! β€ π
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That library is absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing. I love books, so this looks a great place to visit! π
And you certainly did save the best for last π I love that you find these tranquil spots to rejuvenate the spirit π
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You’re most welcome Sci π I’m more than happy to share with you all. π Thank you very much for your appreciation and compliment! π π π Maybe you should start planning a trip to Porto in order to this bookstore in real life. π Glad I was lucky enough to find the tranquil spots and it was amazing! β€
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At the moment I travel to where my family are, but I can at least see these lovely places virtually from your great posts π
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hahaha true! Virtual tour can be good too π Once again thank you for your kind words! π
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You are very welcome π
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Your photos are absolutely stunning, Khloe, and I was fascinated by your desriptions of that amazing booksr]tore. I can see how it could have inspired J.K. Rowling’s library in the Harry Potter books. I thoroughly enjoyed taking the journey around Porto with you, and this final one is more than impressive. Thank you so much for sharing your photos and your memories. π
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Many many thanks to you for your massive appreciation and compliment Millie! π I’m glad you liked my photos and description! I’m sure you will also be inspired by the bookstore if you have a chance to visit it. π My pleasure to take you all with me on this virtual trip and share my photos here β€ Have a wonderful weekend ahead sweetie! π
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The post was really excellent, Khloe, and your photography skills are first class. I’m only just starting to learn how to take photos, so yours leave me in awe. (The bookstore is now on my places to visit list.) π
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Aww what a huge compliment from you Millie! π I’m still learning either it is writing or photography. I guess photography can be enhanced by experience. So try taking more photos do really help. π Cool! It’s on your visit list π I’m sure you will love it β€
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Yes, we haven’t been to that part of Portugal, just to the Algarve. Hopefully, we’ll get there one day soon. π
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I’m sure you will π Algarve is beautiful and I would love to visit one day as well π π π
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There are so many very beautiful countries to visit, I think we can all become stuck for choice. I love the Mediterranean lands. The wonderful history and architecture is amazing. But, China is somewhere I’d love to visit, too. There are few British people who wouldn’t love to see the Great Wall. π
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Yes, I totally agree with you!!! π The Mediterranean lands are gorgeous and they are totally worth visiting. β€ I would love to visit Great Wall as well. Last time I was in Beijing because of work and I hadn't got the time to visit. I really should start planning π By the way, Merry Christmas Millie! May you be blessed with love and happiness! Enjoy! π β€
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This looks absolutely amazing – every single picture here makes me want to head straight there!
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Thanks a lot Sarah! What are you waiting for? Let’s do it! π
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Hello Khloe, what a fabulous Gothic Book Store WOW! That stairs to the Chapel are just amazing. Gorgeous post to capture the wonderful trip. π β€
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Hi Milanka, thanks a lot for your appreciation! π β€ "Wow" was exactly the reaction I had when I saw this stunning bookstore. I still couldn't believe how beautiful it is! π I'm glad you liked my photos! π Have a great day! π
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I wanted wish you a very Merry
And a Happy
As always Sheldon
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Thanks a ton Sheldon! Merry Christmas! π Have a wonderful time with your family and enjoy it to the fullest!!!<3 β€ β€
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Gorgeous pictures. I’m in love with the bookstore!
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Thank you very much for your appreciation! π I’m glad you liked them especially the bookstore. π Have a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy! π β€
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Gorgeous pictures Khloe! And you nailed it perfectly when you said save the best for the last – the library looks like a must visit. I am especially intrigued by the sanctuary – planning a trip next year so looking up such places π
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Thank you so so much for your kind words Prajakta! π β€ I'm sure you wil love visiting that bookstore especially you are a book lover. π I can totally see why you are especially intrigued by the sanctuary (such a unique place it is). Cool! I would love to hear where you are going to travel next π
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This is an amazing post Khloe, definitely the best for last ~ I think I could spend a day or two in Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore) with both the way you described it (how I’d like to travel back in time to those days) as well as just to devour their selection of books. Great photos of the interior as well…WOW. You then seem to go to the other extreme with a very beautiful and tranquil sanctuary…another place I could spend some serious time. As we enter the depths of winter, it is great to have these photos and your memories to think about to warm up the nights. Wish you a great week ahead ~
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Thank you very much for your kind words! So glad you liked my photos and description here! π I was thinking to spend some more time in the bookstore, but it was the last day when I visited. The interior amazed me like no other before. Honestly, it is worth spending a day or two there especially they have a great selection of books. They have books that you can’t find it in regular bookstores e.g Dymocks. However, I can tell you that it is super crowded. If you can bear it, you will enjoy spending time there. Yes, that sanctuary is another favourite of mine. I can imagine how much you will enjoy spending time there because of its tranquility… A great place for photography as well π Glad to hear these photos are able to warm up the nights for you! Take care! Have a great week as well! π
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The crowds, I bet, would be huge…still, as you say just a great environment. Books stores are becoming rare, so finding a good one is like finding a treasure π Cheers ~
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Very true, you will have visit this bookstore one day then π
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Definitely – that would be a great project to put together, visiting all the interesting/famous bookstores in the world π
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You better start planning which bookstore you are going to visit first π
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Thanks for the nice photos – tagging a couple of these for future travel π
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You’re most welcome. π Thank you very much for your appreciation! π You have no idea how happy I am to hear you will tag some of these for your future travel. π Have a great day!
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