Although the pandemic did affect the publishing industry, including famous bookstores, Livraria Bertrand revealed it is made of stronger stuff. After all, it is not easy to snuff out a place that has been around for nearly three centuries, survived a devastating earthquake, weathered national economic crises, and more.
Located in Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, Livraria Bertrand, founded in 1732, is the world’s oldest bookstore still in operation, according to the Guinness World Records. Although the ownership, the name and the location of the store have changed several times, Livraria Bertrand, as we know it today, is considered the mecca of bibliophiles.
Although the bookstore has over 50 shops across Portugal, it is the one located in the Chiado neighbourhood of Lisbon’s historic centre and cultural district, which has won the coveted epaulette.
According to records, Pedro Faure opened the first shop, which soon became a favourite hangout of Portuguese writers. After Faure’s death, the shop passed into the hands of the Bertrand brothers. Faure’s daughter was married to Pierre Bertrand, who was the first to join the store as a business partner.
The bookstore suffered severe damage in the earthquake of 1755 and had to relocate for some time. But it returned to its present location in 1773. The store’s latest renovation was back in 2014-15.
According to veteran visitors, the sight of the sprawling bookstore, with its row after row of wooden bookcases along the walls, interspersed with tables and cabinets, always impresses.
They even have a cosy cafe where you can sip your favourite beverage and pore over your purchase.
At one point, the bookstore began its own printing press, and it is said that one of Portugal’s greatest authors, Aquilino Gomes Ribeiro (1885-1963), a Nobel Prize nominee, was a frequent visitor. Even today, the shop has a corner dedicated to Ribeiro, who got several of his books published by the press here.
Currently, the store is under the Grupo Porto Editora.
The Information
Address: R. Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisboa, Portugal
Timings: 9 am-10 pm; Monday-Friday
