By Little Traveler
The advancement of the digital world has facilitated the flow of information, but it has also posed a threat to traditional print media. As you walk past dwindling newsstands, you’ll find fewer and fewer choices in books and magazines. Still, there are plenty of people who love physical books, and the following seven bookstores—hailed as some of the most beautiful in the world—might just reignite your passion for reading.
1. Polare , Maastricht
Walking into Polare bookstore, you might momentarily think you’ve stepped into a church. In fact, this bookstore located in the small Dutch town of Maastricht was created in 2006 when architect Merkx X transformed a 13th-century Dominican church. All of this was made possible thanks to employees who launched a fundraising campaign to save the space when Polare declared bankruptcy. The awe-inspiring atmosphere created by merging the solemnity of the church with a treasure trove of knowledge is truly unforgettable.
2. El Ateneo, Buenos Aires
This is a world-renowned bookstore located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The stage, lighting effects, and overall ambiance immediately reveal that the site was originally the Teatro Gran Splendid, a grand theater opened in 1919, later converted into a cinema, and finally transformed into a bookstore. This bookstore has now grown into a chain brand, with branches in other Argentine cities such as Rosario and San Miguel de Tucumán.
3. Libreria Acqua Alta , Venice
Could this be the world’s only underwater bookstore? Every time it rains in the water city of Venice, the shopkeeper rushes to put on rain boots and move the books to higher ground. The store is filled with stacks of both new and old books, and the uniquely designed staircase leading to the backyard is actually built from piles of old books—an incredibly creative touch. Despite Venice’s rising water levels in recent years, the shopkeeper remains committed, keeping the store open every day.
4. Librairie Avant-Garde , Nanjing
Located in Nanjing, Pioneer Bookstore was once a former government parking lot and a wartime air-raid shelter. Inside, despite having no windows and feeling enclosed, the space doesn’t feel cramped at all. Visitors can walk along the double yellow line, with books lining both sides of the “lane,” and at the end, you can even see a shimmering cross that adds to the serene and ideal reading environment.
5. ?ivraria Lello , Porto
With its classic design, this place makes readers feel as if they’ve stepped into the magical world of Harry Potter. The atrium of this old library in Portugal features a red staircase and a ceiling adorned with stained-glass windows, adding an artistic touch.
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