Bookshops of the World – Livraria Latina, Porto
Livraria Latina, Porto
This is an iconic store in the city which has been here since WW2. Sadly it is due to close according to reports in the Portuguese press but take a look before it does.
This is a special store. The outside is one of the most ornate I have ever seen.
Henrique Perdigão, the bookseller who started the story, saw the business grow over the decades, passing through three generations of his family before being acquired by the Leya group. Initially, the place was a gramophone store, but it became a cultural landmark in the city.
Livreria Latina (c) The BookTrail
Latina has been praised locally for being one of the last generalist bookstores in Porto which really looked after its customers and knew them. When I was there, several people came in and chatted like old friends to the booksellers. People were greeted by name as they came in and out. A very nice atmosphere!
The balconies of books were nice!
Livreria Latina (c) The BookTrail
The feel of the shop is old fashioned in decor but modern in taste and service. The booksellers were very nice to me and friendly and treated me like a very welcome guest! I asked them in broken portuguese if I could take pictures and they became instant friends!
Livreria Latina (c) The BookTrail
The facade is something else: – Livraria Latina stands out, at the top of Rua de Santa Catarina, with a facade featuring the bust of Camões
Try to go before it’s lost forever!
Susan x
