Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice

A stop at Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice is a must for book lovers

One of the most original libraries in the world is located in Venice. Libreria Acqua Alta, in Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, is definitely the only place on earth where you will find a huge selection of new and used books set out in undoubtedly special shelving: boats, gondolas, canoes, tanks and anywhere that it is possible to insert them. And the books are not only for buying but have been turned into true objects of furniture. Old encyclopaedias, the kind that no one buys any more, become steps in an amazing staircase, or cover the walls of the outer courtyards, transforming them into colourful surfaces. To complete the furnishings, there are also poles, oars and mannequins. Luigi Frizzo, the polite and affable owner of Libreria Acqua Alta, opened this enchanted place about ten years ago and slowly it has become a success: it is greatly appreciated by Venetians and tourists alike. Certainly, the ambience and atmosphere contribute to make the place fascinating and mysterious, but the huge selection of books in all languages also plays its part. Sixty percent of the books are new. In the first room, you can find many texts of all kinds about Venice, but also books on art and cinema, sport and food, and music. The other room is packed with comic books and bestsellers. Browsing through the "shelves", you will also find four friendly cats, unavoidable in Venice, that scurry about and sleep in the midst of the printed paper. In short, Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice can safely be regarded as one of the wonders of Venice, a ‘must see’ just a few steps from St Mark’s Square for those who love to read and for those who also want to discover the city through the many individual activities that make it up. Opening Hours Every day 9:00 am – 8:00 pm