Bookstores are portals to faraway lands, otherworldly realms, historical eras, and much, much more. So, it’s no surprise that some bookstores go out of their way to compile curated collections in overly embellished spaces. The most stunning shops around the world are located within grandiose architectural landmarks and contain magnificent memorabilia and décor to awaken the senses and inspire creativity as you peruse the aisles — or curl up in a comfy chair to escape into a title that’s caught your attention. Here are five beautiful bookstores you won’t believe exist.
Giunti Odeon Libreria e Cinema – Florence, Italy
The Art Nouveau-style Giunti Odeon cinema in Florence’s Piazza Strozzi has been screening films since the 1920s. The beloved venue reopened in 2023 after its tapestries, columns, domed ceiling, and fountains were restored to their original glory. Esteemed Florentine publishing house Giunti also opened a libreria (bookshop) inside the space so visitors could cozy up in one of the gold upholstered box-style seats to watch a film or enjoy a good book. The multilevel bookstore hosts a variety of international and national film events, including festivals and conferences — making it a bustling atelier for those in Florence’s world-renowned arts scene.
Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, The Netherlands
This medieval bookshop is a must when visiting the Dutch city of Maastricht. Housed inside a Gothic-style cathedral dating back to the 12th century, Boekhandel Dominicanen isn’t your average bookstore. The church’s vaulted ceiling contains centuries-old frescoes, including one Thomas Aquinas painted in 1337 that is the oldest church wall painting in the Netherlands. Offering titles in many languages, Boekhandel Dominicanen also has a café, a communal table in the shape of a cross, and a venue for hosting debates, performances, and lectures.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires exudes Latin flair with its frescoed ceiling, dramatic red-curtained backdrop, and a café serving cappuccinos and submarinos (Spanish-style dark hot chocolate). The former historic theater, built in 1919, once hosted tango dancers on its stage before becoming a movie theater in 1929. The building still features balconied levels for people watching below, and today the shelves of books are carefully displayed in the orchestra and mezzanine sections. The palatial bookstore is the perfect place to peruse — and certainly lives up to its grand name.
Livraria Lello – Porto, Portugal
Some claim that J.K. Rowling herself was inspired by this Portuguese bookshop when she penned the first Harry Potter novel in the early 1990s. At the time, she was living in Porto and likely visited Livraria Lello, which is just as bewitching as Flourish and Blotts (the bookshop in the fictional universe). The bookstore is one of the oldest in Portugal, dating back to 1881. Showcasing elements of Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau architecture, Livraria Lello has stunning stained-glass windows, a winding red staircase, and intricately carved wooden shelves and latticework that enchant from room to room.
Dujiangyan Zhongshuge – Chengdu, China
Opened in 2020, Dujiangyan Zhongshuge isn’t as historic as other bookstores on this list, but it is just as captivating around every corner. Located west of Chengdu in the Sichuan province, the store features curved archways, mirrors, and spiraling staircases. The result is a seemingly endless display of shelves upon shelves of paperbacks and hardcovers from floor to ceiling. The optical illusion is especially remarkable, and it’s easy to get lost in the maze.
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