Where else but in Venice might one uncover something like this cool and quirky book shop? Ever since I had heard about this place, I was curious. Finally, last spring, I was able to visit Libreria Acqua Alta on Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa in Castello.
This unique bookstore utilizes waterproof containers, wheelbarrows, kitchen sinks, buckets, and bathtubs to display and store its books.
Books in English and other languages, in addition to Italian, can be found here, and most of them are stored in no particular fashion, piled to the ceiling on bookshelves. This shop would be a hoarder’s delight. One of the rooms even stores books in a full-size gondola.
The probability of finding at least one interesting book to purchase is high, since this bookstore sells both new and old books of all genres.
This quirky store’s name, appropriately enough, means Book Store of High Water. When acqua alta floods the streets of Venice and the water moves into the shop, most of its contents remain safe. Also called a floating bookshop, it consists of several rooms crammed with stacks of books, maps, magazines, costumes, and other interesting items.
Apparently, the secret is out, because the place was unfortunately packed with people, much to my surprise. And if you’re a cat lover, you will likely see one or more of these furry friends crawling around or sleeping on a stack of books. I only saw two kitties during my visit, but I understand there are more who call this home.
At the back of the shop, a door leads outside, where stacks of books ruined by water are arranged like steps, and you can climb up and peer over a wall to get a view of the canal. I’ve never seen anything like this.
A popular feature is the shop’s unique fire escape. Just open its door and make your exit straight into a canal.
Away from the crowded St. Mark’s Square, this unique shop is a definite must-see in Venice. With a reputation as the most beautiful bookstore in the world, this famous bookshop may also be the craziest.
Why not add this cool bookstore to the top of your bucket list during your next trip to Venice?
Read more about this and other places to see in Venice in the award-winning Italy travel memoir,
THE VENICE I KNOW.
Available in paperback, kindle, and audiobook. Click the link to purchase on Amazon or Audible.
Have you been to Venice? I’d love to hear your stories, so please leave a comment.
Grazie and Ciao
Travel Gourmet
What a fun place. I haven’t been to Venice for a few years but anytime I go back I’ll seek this shop out 😀
margieinitaly
Thanks for taking time to comment. I’d suggest going in the off-season and early in the morning since the word is out, and this book shop has now become popular with tourists.
Karen Neary
How interesting, Margie! Next time I’m in Venice, I will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing such a fascinating story.
margieinitaly
I guess I’d suggest to get there early since it’s become more popular
Lynne
Unique for sure. Thanks for sharing again.
margieinitaly
Glad you like it! Thank You for taking time to read and comment!