Livraria Calil Antiquária has been operating since the 1940s in the Historic Center, making it the oldest used bookstore in São Paulo still in operation. Specializing in rare and out-of-print books, it houses nearly 450,000 volumes and is a paradise for readers fascinated by history.
Today, among the bookstore’s treasures are items such as the first edition of Dom Casmurro, a mini Bible, and even works dating back to 1500. Discover now the legacy of this iconic bookstore in São Paulo!
The history of Livraria Calil: a tradition spanning generations
The bookstore’s founder, Líbano Calil, was the son of Lebanese immigrants and fell in love with literature at an early age. This passion led him, in 1948, to start the business that would become a benchmark in Brazilian bibliography.
Calil began by selling legal books but expanded his catalog to include rare editions. This is how he established Livraria Calil in the São Paulo market, attracting intellectuals, researchers, and major collectors.
The patriarch passed away in 1993, but left the business in excellent hands. Today, his daughter Maristela and grandson Murilo run Calil Antiquária, which remains on the 9th floor of a historic building.
The new managers modernized operations by creating a catalog for online sales, featuring nearly 60,000 titles. All this without sacrificing the attentive service and classic atmosphere inherited from its founder.
Thousands of rare titles and specialized services
Livraria Calil Antiquária focuses on the humanities and Brazilian themes. But the catalog goes beyond that: visitors will find old magazines, engravings, manuscripts, postcards, maps, and historical photographs. This diversity even attracts foreign buyers in search of relics that are hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Every item in the antiquarian bookshop passes through the hands of Maristela Calil, who has a degree in Library Science. In addition to buying and selling books, the shop offers bookbinding services, artisanal restoration, and library appraisals.
So, if you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience in São Paulo, you need to visit this little spot. Why not take advantage of the next few days to check out the oldest used bookstore in São Paulo?
📍 Rua Barão de Itapetininga, 88, 9th floor (suite 917) – República
🕐 Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📖 More information at livrariacalil.com.br or @livrariacalil
