Most beautiful bookstore in the world
Bookstore Dominicanen in Maastricht is seen by many as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. According to leading organizations such as Lonely Planet, CNN, The Guardian and the BBC, the former Dominican Church is "converted into a temple of books". It is a wonderful example of reusing a monumental space.
Dominican church in Maastricht, more than 700 years old
The Dominican Church, built as a monastery church for the Order of the Dominicans, is a Gothic building (and national monument) that was inaugurated in 1294. The church has not been used for religious services since 1804, with the arrival of the French. In two hundred years it has known many functions, mainly as storage space, arm depot, snake house, bicycle shed and carnival stamp for youth. Many people from Maastricht have special memories here, such as the 'first kiss'. You can still feel this rich history in this beautiful location with wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries, including those of Thomas van Aquino.
Since the autumn of 2006 you will find here the special bookstore Dominicans (formerly Selexyz Dominicans and Polare Maastricht) in this ancient church. Bookstore Dominicans has a broad and deep assortment of public books, music and books for professionals. But also for non-book lovers, this is a place you should visit when you are in Maastricht. On the former priest's choir of the Dominican Church you can enjoy a delicious cappuccino or lunch, served by the famous Blanche Dael Coffeelovers (the Maastricht City Roasting House). Bookstore Dominicans also serves as a cultural stage. There are regular lectures, debates and musical performances. There is also room for exhibitions.
