Red Staircase at Livraria Lello\ (Porto, Portugal)
One of the oldest bookstores in Portugal, Livraria Lello or Lello Bookshop features an opulent red staircase. The bookshop and with it the staircase were designed by Francisco Xavier Esteves, an engineer who made the flight of steps stand with very little support from below. Seen from atop, the staircase resembles two streams of water flowing into one. Additionally, Livraria Lello also features a stained glass ceiling and carved wooden shelves that hold centuries-old books. The bookstore proofed inspirational for J.K. Rowling, creator of the Harry Potter series when she taught English in Porto.