In an online vote that saw the participation of 200,000 library and bookstore enthusiasts, Livraria Lello in Porto was elected as the most beautiful bookstore in the world among 15 finalists from around the globe. The Portuguese bookstore, established in 1906, is now renowned as the world's most beautiful.

Not only did J.K. Rowling consider Livraria Lello as her source of inspiration for the "Harry Potter" series, but also 200,000 library and bookstore fans voted for it to be recognized as the most beautiful in the world. According to the global platform One Thousand Libraries, Portugal's most famous bookstore came out on top, surpassing 14 other finalists, including Shakespeare & Company (Paris, France) and Dujiangyan Zhongshuge (Dujiangyan, China), which secured second and third places, respectively.

The Portuguese bookstore, which boasts 117 years of history, had already been acknowledged by "The Guardian," "Times," and "National Geographic" as one of the most beautiful bookstores globally. The building represents one of Portugal's most iconic examples of Neo-Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches and columns rising from the lower floor, making it one of Porto's most significant landmarks.

The announcement of the voting results was made on Wednesday, August 30th, through the platform's social media channels, with both bookstores and libraries participating. Following Livraria Lello's first-place victory as the most beautiful bookstore in the world, the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura in Rio de Janeiro secured the third position among the world's most beautiful, claiming the second podium spot for the Portuguese language.

"We receive this title with immense joy, which once again distinguishes us as 'The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World,' and also for being the only Portuguese bookstore to participate in the voting," highlighted Aurora Pedro Pinto, the Administrator of Livraria Lello. The iconic space located in Porto has held the status of a Public Interest Monument since 2013 and awaits reclassification as a National Monument by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DGPC).