Enchanting Bookstore In A 700 Year Old Church In The Netherlands

Boekhandel Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands

Historic cathedral converted into a bookshop? YES PLEASE!

House Crazy Sarah has a thing for historic churches, and she has a thing for unique book shops, so when she saw this place, which is an incredible combination of the two, she swooned with delight.

The Boekhandel Dominicanen, is located in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Boekhandel Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands

Housed in a 700-year-old church, it is now a massive 3-story book store that is oft-cited as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.

church converted to bookstore

It was constructed in the Gothic style for use as a Dominican Church & Monastery in the 13th-century and was consecrated in the year 1294.

old church converted to a book shop

 In 1796 the church’s ecclesiastical function ended and it was decommissioned.

old church converted to book store

Following the dissolution of the monastery, the church found a range of uses over the years. At various points in time, it was used as a city warehouse, an event center, a printing house, and even a bike storage shed!

old church converted to book store

In 2006, the old Dominican church in Maastricht got a new lease on life. A bookshop was established inside the church as part of the bookstore chain Selexyz and Polare. After a bankcruptcy in 2014, the bookshop restarted as Bookshop Dominicanen and is now an independent bookshop.

old church converted to book store

According to their website, the church-turned-bookstore has over 700,000 visitors a year. Their collections contain new and second-hand books, including books in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. The first floor also features a music department with CD’s, DVD’s, and even old vinyl records!

old church converted to book store

In addition, the bookshop hosts hundreds of events a year from exhibitions to debates, interviews, readings, workshops, and live music.

One can imagine that the sound quality is probably pretty good in here.

old church converted to book store

Is there any more perfect use for a historic cathedral?

It’s brilliant!

old church converted to book store

The interior redesign was done by the Dutch firm Merkx+Girod.

old church converted to book store

Sacred elements of the cathedral such as the stained-glass windows, frescoes, and vaults were preserved for posterity.

old church converted to book store

Most extraordinary, are the exposed frescos of saints, dating from 1619, which are visible in the vaulted peaks of the roof. On the north wall is the oldest known wall painting (secco, not a fresco) depicting the life of St. Thomas Aquinas (Dominican and philosopher) from 1337.

old church converted to book store

Like any true bookstore, the cathedral also includes a coffee shop called: Coffeelovers.

old church converted to book store

The cafe features “the best coffee in town and you can enjoy breakfast, and have a light Italian lunch or lovely cakes”.

old church converted to book store

Around every corner is an awe-inspiring scene.

old church converted to book store

old church converted to book store

If you are a lover of books and an admirer of religious architecture, this divine place is a must-visit!

old church converted to book store

 

Sources:

https://libris.nl/dominicanen/history-of-bookshop-dominicanen

https://www.bezoekmaastricht.nl/locaties/30386516/boekhandel-dominicanen

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188575-d8121592-Reviews-Boekhandel_Dominicanen-Maastricht_Limburg_Province.html

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