Lisbon's New Anti-Digital Book Haven Bans Phones and Wi-Fi: Discover This Literary Sanctuary Near Campo Pequeno

A New Literary Oasis in Lisbon

There's a new bookstore in Lisbon that challenges conventional worldviews with essential readings from the Global South. Let's explore what books you can find there.

Photos by @gondwana_leituras

There's a new literary space for our guide to bookstores in Lisbon. It's called Gondwana and primarily features literary works originating from the Southern Hemisphere, which, according to the establishment, is the new center of world literature.

It opened its doors on November 5th, 2025, and isn't just another bookshop; it presents itself as a geographical and cultural manifesto that promises to redefine the perspectives of Lisbon readers.

The New Epicenter of Global Narratives

Inspired by the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland, which united Africa, South America, Australia, and Antarctica, this bookstore intentionally positions the South as the center of its stories, voices, and cultures. While many consider these cultures rich and essential, the truth is they've been relegated to the "periphery" of Western literary habits.

For David Gough, co-responsible for this project:

"We want to look at the world differently, give voice to authors and cultures that have historically been peripheral and that today have much to teach us about identity, belonging, and the future."

Alternative Perspectives in a Refuge for All

The literary curation you'll find at Gondwana highlights authors who offer other points of view, thus promoting a more comprehensive and transcontinental literary dialogue. The bookstore commits to linguistic diversity, making books available in their original languages but also in Portuguese versions.

One of the major highlights of this bookstore goes far beyond being just a sales point: inside you'll find a small "refuge," a cozy corner where you can "disconnect" from the world (in the truest sense of the word).

In this more intimate and comfortable space, there's no Wi-Fi access and the use of digital electronic devices is discouraged. The idea is for you to connect deeply and uninterrupted with books, in what was once genuine human interaction.

To complete this more introspective experience, Livraria Gondwana also features a small café and wine bar, which can promote conversation and reflection that these "new" readings might inspire.

Address: Avenida Óscar Monteiro Torres 40A (Campo Pequeno area)
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 8pm; Saturday 9am to 2pm