Inside book homes: Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands

Libraries and bookstores are my favorite places to visit and they deserve special mention. The series on them will be rightfully opened by Boekhandel Dominicanen (formerly Selexyz Dominicanen and Polare Maastricht), located in the charming city of Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands. What makes it unique is that it is housed in a magnificent architectural landmark - a 13th-century Dominican church. During my time at Maastricht University, I had the pleasure of visiting the bookstore regularly in search of new readings, inspiration for writing assignments, or simply a mood booster. 

For many, housing a bookstore in a sacral building may seem inappropriate. However, in the less religious Netherlands, old churches are often given new life, creating an unforgettable experience for their visitors. We are greeted by arched ceilings decorated with frescos as soon as we walk in. Although massive, the three-story black steel book racks that could support many bookstore ceilings, appear meager in comparison to the impressive interior. The usual busyness of this place is further amplified by the hustle and bustle of a café located in place of the choir, with a long, cross-shaped table at its center. If you’re lucky, you might encounter some mice feasting on the crumbs of pastries sold at the café as evening falls.

There is something special about wandering around this place with such a rich history. Just as in the case of visiting a functioning church, the ambiance changes throughout the day. Early mornings and late evenings are my favorite times to visit the bookstore. In the mornings, natural light dominates and sun rays get inside through the large windows. In the evenings, the light in some parts of the bookstore is significantly dimmer, resembling almost a candlelight effect. If you found this place interesting, you can further admire it in the 2019 production by Max Joseph, Bookstores: How to Read More Books in the Golden Age of Content.