One of the most impressive architectural examples of art nouveau in Porto, Lello bookshop offers a truly exceptional visual and intellectual experience.
Created by an engineering teacher named Xavier Esteves in 1906, Lello Bookshop is an acclaimed bookshop within the book loving community in Porto, in Portugal, and around Europe. But it's not only for book lovers: The beautiful architecture and design; the entrance and the sprawling steps (which are apparently inspired by the ones in Gallery Lafayette); the colours and the numerous s helves packed with old and new books, all make for a wonderful experience.
Casa da Música was conceived to mark 2001, the year in which Porto was Cultural Capital of Europe, and it is the first new building in Portugal to be entirely dedicated to music - to the presentation and public enjoyment of music, to music education and to the creation of music. The project took shape in 1999 after the Rem Koolhaas & Ellen van Loon - Office for Metropolitan Architecture won the international architectural competition. Work began in 1999 on the site of Porto's former central tram garage on the Rotunda da Boavista, and Casa da Música opened its doors to the public on April 15th , 2005.
Guided visit to Casa da Música followed by lunch at the modern restaurant also called Casa da Música.