The bookstore is located in the historic city center. It was founded in 1869, making it one of the oldest still operating bookstores in Portugal. The building of the bookshop was built in the neo-Gothic style. The lower part of the façade is decorated with a large, broken arch and two side windows. The upper part of the facade is decorated with three windows and two painted figures symbolizing Art and Science.
The interior of the building, decorated with pillars, carved ceilings and large glazing, draws attention in particular. There is also a characteristic spacious staircase that leads to the upper floor.
The Spanish writer Enrique Vila-Matas described it as "the most beautiful bookstore in the world". It was also repeatedly placed in the rankings of the most beautiful and stylish bookstores, organized by newspapers and websites such as the English "The Guardian", the American "Time", the Australian "Lonely Planet" and the CNN channel.