*Blog Post: 5 Magical Connections Between Harry Potter and Porto, Portugal* Two years ago, I was in Porto, Portugal during the month of October. I noticed so many connections to the Harry Potter Universe and after a little bit of research, I found out that J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for several years. There's no question that there was some influence from her time spent in Porto. Photo 1: Livraria Lello is arguably one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Many say that J.K.Rowling was inspired by the bookstore’s old, ornate staircase and magnificent detailing throughout. J.K. Rowling frequented the bookstore when she lived in Porto. Photo 2: The University students in Porto wear traditional ‘Capa e Batina’ uniforms. I learned that these uniforms did in fact inspire the uniforms warn by Harry and his classmates at Hogwarts. The uniforms are an old tradition that date back to the 18th century and there’s no denying the resemblance. J.K. Rowling would have often seen these students walking around the city as I did during my visit. Photo 3: ‘Escovaria de Belomonte’ or the ‘Belomonte Broom Store’ really felt like Harry Potter to me. A few blocks away from Livraria Lello, you enter a winding street covered in cobblestones that are common throughout Porto. Here, you will find this old broom store that has been around for decades. It’s the real deal. A small, ‘mom and pop’ type shop that prides itself with making the finest of brooms fit for any wizard (or home). To read about the other connections, visit the link in my bio! #harrypotter #hogwarts #slytherin #hermionegranger #potterhead #gryffindor #dracomalfoy #hufflepuff #ronweasley #ravenclaw #hp #jkrowling #harrypotterfan #wizardingworld #magic #porto #portugal #lisboa #o #oporto #travel #photography #visitportugal #portoportugal #visitporto #instagood