Irrespective of the amount of books they hold and the wealth of knowledge they contain, these places are a tourist attraction in themselves. A genuine architectural and cultural delight for the senses. Take note…
Livraria Lello in Oporto. This place has a truly magical atmosphere. A business in the city of the Douro River dating back to 1869. It’s dominated by a lavish curving staircase, and also the spot where J.K Rowling found the inspiration to write her first book about Harry Potter. This year it was chosen for the worldwide book launch of the latest adventures of the magician with the round glasses, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”.
Barter Books in Alnwick. Located in the small British market town of Alnwick. It opened its doors in 1991 and as well as being a traditional bookshop also offers a barter system for second-hand books. It’s located within an old Victorian train station and in 2000, the owner found the now mythical World War 2 poster “Keep Calm and Carry On” in an old box of books. The poster has since been modified online a million times over.
Polare Maastricht in Maastricht. A simply spectacular place in the Netherlands, located in a 700-year old cathedral. It has been named as the most beautiful bookstore in the world for many years by several international organisations. Here we could use that jaded expression “a temple dedicated to letters” without feeling embarrassed by our lack of originality.
El Ateneo in Buenos Aires. An old theatre renovated and converted to adopt another form of cultural expression. Here, books take over the boxes and stalls of the old Grand Splendid Theatre, and the stage acts as a reading area and café, where you can enjoy some nice live background music.
Academic Bookshop in Helsinki. Finns are the true authorities when it comes to design and modernity and know how to bring out the very best in a space and leave their characteristic hallmark. This bookshop was designed by Alvar Aalto, the most highly regarded architect in the history of this small but influential country. And also one of the predecessors of the minimalist concept that has had such an impact on Western society.
