In the historic center of Venice, hidden among the alleys and canals that run through the lagoon, there is a hidden treasure: a bookshop considered among the most beautiful and original in the world. This is the Acqua Alta bookshop, a place of culture and history that with its charm manages to excite and enchant Venetians and tourists, confirming itself as one of the cultural meeting centers that most reflects the place and tradition. Not a simple bookcase, but an immersive experience capable of transporting body and mind into a world made up of pages, stories and a timeless atmosphere.
The history of the Acqua Alta bookshop in Venice
The Acqua Alta bookshop was born from the passion of Luigi Frizzo, originally from Vicenza but with a boundless love for books and for the lagoon city, who in 2002 decided to give rise to this “small” big project.
With the passage of time, the bookshop begins to take shape but, without a digital catalog, the search for the book becomes a fascinating and engaging adventure for Mr. Frizzo that occupies his mind and heart, making him, as well as a custodian, the expert guide on whom he can rely once he crosses the threshold of the place.
Over time, the high water that sometimes invades the streets and foundations of Venice has prompted Luigi to look for innovative solutions that have proved essential to protect the precious books and have also defined the identity of the place. Today, in fact, the bookstore offers an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the simple purchase of a book, inviting visitors to explore a more intimate and deeply fascinating Venice.
Image courtesy of www.libreriacqualta.it
Furniture and books
The furnishings of the bookshop are a riot of creativity and originality, a hymn to the love of reading that adapts to the aquatic environment of the city thanks to the adoption of a creative and functional solution and alternative to the usual shelves: the books are placed on gondolas and canoes, which protect them from frequent flooding.
Crossing the threshold of the bookstore, you will find yourself in a surreal world, where books are the absolute protagonists of the space. Walking through the volumes, you will discover that most of them are dedicated to Venice, its millenary history, its art and its traditions. This aspect makes the visit to the bookstore even more fascinating, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the lagoon city.
One of the most distinctive elements of the library is still the book staircase, built entirely from old overlapping volumes.
The Staircase of the Acqua Alta bookshop: “follow the books”
The most fascinating corner of the shop is, as anticipated, the famous staircase composed entirely of books destined for pulping. This installation gives a second life to the volumes that would otherwise have been lost, also offering a unique perspective, with the possibility of overlooking the adjacent canal.
Climbing step by step, therefore, you will find yourself surrounded by thousands of pages and once you reach the highest point, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view that will make you travel with your eyes and mind.
Image courtesy of www.libreriacqualta.it
“Emergency exit”
Even the emergency exit can only fully represent the Venetian character. It is a wooden door that directly overlooks the canal, allowing you to see from the inside the body of water on which the building stands. This small corner makes the atmosphere even more evocative and characteristic, highlighting the uniqueness of the place.
Image courtesy of www.libreriacqualta.it
The cats of the library
In addition to the precious volumes on the shelves, another feature of the Acqua Alta bookshop is the presence of its cats, who over time have become the real masters of the house. Cats love to move nimbly between books, and between a nap and a jump, they have taken their place, giving the environment a touch of domestic warmth and tranquillity.
Don’t be surprised, therefore, if during your visit, while exploring the pages of a book or admiring the unique décor of the place, a cat will approach in search of attention or to offer you a nice moment of company.
Image courtesy of www.libreriacqualta.it
Visiting Venice: tips and useful information
If you are planning a visit to Venice, the Acqua Alta bookshop is therefore a destination that cannot be missed in your itinerary; located in the Castello district, in Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa 5176 / B, the bookshop can also be reached by vaporetto with line 1 or 2, about 10 minutes’ walk from the Rialto stop.
Another place from which to discover Venice and the Acqua Alta bookshop, while enjoying moments of relaxation and sea, is certainly Camping Ca’Savio, located in a strategic position to visit the Serenissima and its most hidden corners.
You can easily buy tickets for the ferry to the Lagoon at the campsite office. The departure is scheduled from Punta Sabbioni, with direct arrival in the heart of Venice: St. Mark’s Square. From here, you can enjoy a special day of art and culture.
But that’s not all: to make your experience even more pleasant and worry-free, Ca’Savio provides its guests with a dedicated Customer Care service. The staff will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to better organize your visit to Venice, from advice on places not to be missed to transport schedules. In addition, you will be able to receive updated details on the operation of the city access fee, a novelty introduced to manage the tourist flow and preserve the delicate Venetian ecosystem.
