Forte de Gaia, Autograph Collection has launched a new guided Literary Walking Tour, inviting guests to discover another side of Porto through its rich literary heritage. Timed to coincide with Livraria Lello’s 120th anniversary and the opening of its new Manifesto Library curated by Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club, the experience combines one of the world’s most celebrated bookshops with hidden literary landmarks, independent bookstores and historic cafés beyond the city’s usual tourist trail.
The three-hour walking tour begins at Livraria Lello, widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. Renowned for its neo-Gothic architecture, sweeping staircase and stained-glass ceiling, the iconic landmark has become one of Portugal’s most recognisable cultural attractions.
One of the highlights of the experience is access to Livraria Lello’s newly opened cultural wing, home to the Manifesto Library – a permanent collection of 100 banned, censored and challenged books curated by Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club. Designed as a celebration of freedom of expression, the collection is organised around four themes: Power, Control, Voice and Memory – bringing together influential works by authors including George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, Simone de Beauvoir, Alice Walker, Salman Rushdie, Min Jin Lee and Alexei Navalny.
Guests will also enjoy access to the exclusive Gema Room, a highly curated space dedicated to rare books and literary treasures. Home to first editions of literary classics including Alice in Wonderland and Lolita, the collection also features luxury book objects and unique artefacts, including Amy Winehouse’s personal library.
Beyond Livraria Lello, the tour explores many of Porto’s lesser-known literary landmarks, revealing the stories behind the city’s writers, poets and creative communities. Stops include the former Cadeia da Relação prison, where celebrated Portuguese author Camilo Castelo Branco wrote Love of Perdition while imprisoned in 1861. Today, the historic building is home to the Portuguese Centre of Photography.
Guests will also stroll through the nearby Jardim da Cordoaria, home to statues honouring renowned Portuguese writers including Ramalho Ortigão and António Nobre, before continuing to some of Porto’s most distinctive independent bookshops.
Highlights include Poetria, Portugal’s only bookshop dedicated exclusively to poetry and theatre; Livraria Tin Tin, a treasure trove of vintage comics, graphic novels and magazines; and Café Candelabro, a much-loved café, wine bar and second-hand bookstore where locals, artists and writers gather over coffee, Portuguese wines and shelves dedicated to art, literature and cinema.
Along the route, guests will also pass the bronze statue of celebrated 19th-century Portuguese poet, playwright and politician Almeida Garrett outside Porto City Hall, while their private guide shares stories of Porto’s literary heritage alongside insights into the city’s history, architecture and contemporary culture.
Situated amongst the historic Port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River overlooking Porto, Forte de Gaia, Autograph Collection occupies a former wine warehouse that has been transformed into a contemporary luxury hotel. Designed by acclaimed Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva, the interiors pay tribute to the Douro wine region through natural wood and cork textures, while an outdoor swimming pool overlooks the city’s iconic skyline.
The Literary Walking Tour costs €275 per person and includes a private guide, entry to Livraria Lello and access to the exclusive Gema Room, where admission alone normally costs €100 per person.
Nightly rates at Forte de Gaia, Autograph Collection start from £200 per night with breakfast. To book visit www.fortedegaia.com