Audio GuideLivraria Bertrand - Chiado
Historic bookstore featuring seven themed rooms, literary events, and a cozy café for book lovers.
Book Store
Lisbon, Portugal
Livraria Bertrand in Chiado, Lisbon, is the world’s oldest bookstore still in operation, founded in seventeen thirty-two by Pedro Faure. Located near the Basilica of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires, it has been a beacon for book lovers for nearly three centuries. After surviving the great earthquake of seventeen fifty-five, the bookstore moved temporarily before returning to its enduring home when the Chiado district was rebuilt.
The store features seven distinct rooms, each named after famous Portuguese writers like José Saramago and Eça de Queiroz, creating a literary journey for visitors. In two thousand seventeen, Café Bertrand was added, blending the joy of reading with delightful culinary experiences. Here, patrons can enjoy a coffee while browsing books, surrounded by murals celebrating poets such as Fernando Pessoa.
Livraria Bertrand is more than a bookstore; it is a cultural hub hosting events like readings, conversations, and writing courses. Over the years, many notable literary figures have walked its aisles, adding to its rich history. Recognized by Guinness World Records and local authorities as a historic landmark, the bookstore also publishes the Almanaque Bertrand, a cherished piece of Portuguese literary heritage.
Today, Livraria Bertrand embraces modern advancements with an online presence and community programs like reading clubs, ensuring it remains relevant and vibrant. Visitors are encouraged to explore its charming interior, attend an event, and savor a moment in this historic space. Livraria Bertrand not only offers a vast selection of books but also provides a deep connection to Lisbon’s literary and cultural landscape, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.
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