Lisbon’s Most Emblematic Bookstores
While wandering around Lisbon, besides the rustic buildings embedded in history and its verdant gardens, you might have noticed its various bookstores. The time has made them part of the city’s streets, unmissable by their stories and books, of course. In this article, we will tell you about the most emblematic bookstores in Lisbon that are located near the Hotel Portuense.
Bertrand Bookstore – Chiado
Believe it or not, this is the oldest bookstore in the world. Founded in 1732 by Pedro Faure, it was named this way in honor of his partners, the Bertrand brothers. This bookshop, initially located in Rua do Loreto, moved after the 1755 earthquake to Rua Garrett 73-75 (1773). Bertrand is nationally known for being the biggest bookstore chain in Portugal and for having been the stage of multiple debates of the 1870’s writers, such as Antero de Quental and Eça de Queirós.
Ferin Bookstore
Founded in 1840, this is the second oldest bookstore in Lisbon. It belonged to the Ferin family, who moved to Portugal to escape the First French Empire. Before it was a bookshop, this was a place for Jean Baptiste’s daughters (the owner of the store) to read, having also been a binding shop that served the Portuguese Royal Family directly. The Ferin bookstore was often frequented by famous writers, such as Eça de Queirós. Located in Rua Nova do Almada 72, the Ferin bookstore is remembered as the place of choice for timeless writers, such as Eça de Queirós.
Sá Costa Bookstore
This bookstore was founded in 1913, by the editor and bookseller Augusto Sá da Costa. He dedicated himself to publish various didactic books aiming to improve what afterward would be known as the “Schoolbook”. He also published a set of multiples Portuguese classics, from António Verney and Almeida Garrett’s texts to Sá de Miranda’s ones, which he named “The Sá da Costa Classics Collection”. Its oldest book is dated from 1498 and he also sold a book printed by Guttenberg. In 1943, the Sá Costa bookstore moved to Rua Garrett 100, where it stays until this day, near de Bénard cafe. Its Art Deco decoration, by Tomás Colaço, is an inspiration and a must-see.
Thus, we acknowledge that Lisbon’s history is much more than streets, buildings, and museums.
It also is the people, the places, and the culture they disclosed. Therefore, we ask: why not taking the day to visit all these Lisbon’s milestones?
Know more about the culture of the city of seven hills and enjoy reading the Portuguese greatest classics!