Boekhandel Dominicanen - An Authentic Church which changed into a Modern Bookstore
October 26, 2017
Here in Masstricht, a 700+ years old glorious Gothic cathedral is now transformed into a full-fledged beautiful bookstore. Hence this is truly a “temple of books” and probably the Dutch’s way of saying, "a good library is equal to (if not better than) a Church, Temple or a Mosque!"
The Dominicanen Church (formerly known as Selexyz Dominican Cathedral) was established in the year 1216. But the people of Maastricht stopped using this church for religious functions ever since 1804. In the last 200 years, the building had been used for many purposes before it turned into a bookstore in 2006.
The architecture, structure, even frescos of the church are not disturbed while transforming them into a multi-level bookshop. With an age old stunning black-marble floors, Vaulted Ceilings, gorgeous glass paintings, massive pillars with beautiful carvings, it's indeed a great experience to walk around. At the former priest choir/alt of the Dominican Church, now there’s a delicious café – Coffeelovers. (Books & coffee - can anyone ignore this combination?)
Dominican bookstore has an enormous collection and wide range of books – you can find books of culture, history, fiction, music, professionals and all upto the kid’s books. They do have a large collection of English, French and German books too, which is a great news for the internationals & tourists and make it as tourist attraction as well.
Bookstore Dominican also serves as a cultural stage. There are regular lectures, debates and music performances and space for exhibition.
Overall, it’s an amazing bookstore / library. If you have couple of hours in the Maastricht, you’d visit this magical place and am sure, you'll be pleased!
The Dominicanen Church (formerly known as Selexyz Dominican Cathedral) was established in the year 1216. But the people of Maastricht stopped using this church for religious functions ever since 1804. In the last 200 years, the building had been used for many purposes before it turned into a bookstore in 2006.
The architecture, structure, even frescos of the church are not disturbed while transforming them into a multi-level bookshop. With an age old stunning black-marble floors, Vaulted Ceilings, gorgeous glass paintings, massive pillars with beautiful carvings, it's indeed a great experience to walk around. At the former priest choir/alt of the Dominican Church, now there’s a delicious café – Coffeelovers. (Books & coffee - can anyone ignore this combination?)
Dominican bookstore has an enormous collection and wide range of books – you can find books of culture, history, fiction, music, professionals and all upto the kid’s books. They do have a large collection of English, French and German books too, which is a great news for the internationals & tourists and make it as tourist attraction as well.
Bookstore Dominican also serves as a cultural stage. There are regular lectures, debates and music performances and space for exhibition.
Overall, it’s an amazing bookstore / library. If you have couple of hours in the Maastricht, you’d visit this magical place and am sure, you'll be pleased!
💭 If you are there just to read books and enjoy a coffee, it's perfect; but if you're planning to buy, be prepared for a 10 minutes long queue at-least. The billing counters are very limited.
💭 I didn't find any elevators to reach the 1st and 2nd floors, I think you'll have to use only the stairs, hence wheelchairs are not accessible (only to 1&2 floors).
➤ Address : Dominikanerkerkstraat 1 , 6211 CZ Maastricht
➤ Opening timings: Open all days 9AM–6PM; on Sunday 12-6PM
➤ Prices & Tickets: Free
➤ Address : Dominikanerkerkstraat 1 , 6211 CZ Maastricht
➤ Opening timings: Open all days 9AM–6PM; on Sunday 12-6PM
➤ Prices & Tickets: Free
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