The Acqua Alta Bookshop

I've always loved bookshops, but I've never fallen in love with one quite like with Acqua Alta. This is no regular bookstore, it is another world entirely. Piles of books reach the ceiling, cats are everywhere and there's a bathtub in the middle of a room.

It gets a little stranger the more you explore.

One room has a real gondola in it and then you'll see a sign saying fire escape ... which leads straight into a canal.

Sometimes you'll feel you've entered a surreal world where everything isn't quite normal... but it is all wonderful.

So how about we take a look around? Okay, let's go...

Exploring Acqua Alta

It doesn't look like much when you turn into the street where the bookstore is. In fact, if it wasn't for a few books and postcards outside the front door, you would thing that you were in the wrong road.

The address, if you'd like to visit, is 5167 Castello and it is five minutes walk from Campo Santa Maria Formosa. I'd suggest you head to Santa Maria Formosa and go from there. It's the easiest way to find it and both the Church of Santa Maria Formosa and the Campo (which means square in English) are well worth seeing too.

The minute you walk inside though you know that you've arrived in a bookstore unlike any other. One of the first things you'll see are the cats, they seem to be everywhere! Apparently they are all family and that is why nearly all of them are black or black and white.

Then you walk farther into the shop and see a gondola...then a bathtub. Now you know that you've entered into a bookstore like no other.

There are lots of fascinating corners to explore but I tend to like the "fire escape" part of the shop best which you can see in the photos below.

During acqua alta (high tide) this part of the shop often floods and that's where the name of the shop originates. Still, on a lovely summer's day, nothing can beat sitting on a chair by the canal and reading a book.

Be careful though, when a boat comes past the water often rushes in wetting your feet... so, if you hear a boat with an engine, lift your feet up quickly. The gondolas aren't a problem though - they drift by with just a splish and a splash but no mini tsunami.

The Window Chair

One last thing, if you do visit please buy a book or two. There are a number in English and even if there is nothing that really appeals buy something anyway to support this great shop/institution. The elderly owner is struggling to keep it going.

You'll Enjoy These...

The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog

The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares with you news, beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice. Then we've great videos and essential information for those planning to travel to Italy.
Summer in Italy

Ever experienced a summer in Italy? Well, we've a way that you can bring the sunshine and happiness of an Italian summer home with you.
The Venice Italy Beach Guide

Come summer I can only take so much history before I need a beach. That's what the Venice Italy Beach Guide is all about. Discovering the best beaches near Venice.
Venice Tourism - Getting Away From the Crowds

Venice is not only the Bridge of Sighs and St Marks Square. There is a whole lot more to this great city. Join me, Maria, exploring the Venetian wonders few ever discover.
Inside Castello in Venice Italy

Castello in Venice is a get away from the theme park feel of St. Marks Square. In some ways this is small town Italy, old ladies gossiping in the squares and kids playing in the lanes.
Discovering the Best of Venice

The best of Venice - 6 experiences you simply must have if you are visiting Venice. Here is the list...
The Best Tours of Venice Italy

The best tours of Venice Italy, selected by an insider. Walking tours, gondola trips, St. Mark’s Basilica and even a creepy ghost tour. We have it all!
Venice Italy - The 6 Things you HAVE to See

There's so much to see in Venice Italy that you can become overwhelmed. Before you despair, here is the list of the 6 sights you absolutely must see and everything you need to know about them.
Discoveries While Lost in Venice

Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. These amazing photos were all captured down the secret alleys and forgotten canals...
Gorgeous Pictures of Venice Italy and Verona

Pictures of Venice Italy features some magnificent photos of Venice, capturing the timeless beauty of the greatest city on earth.
The Easter in Venice Guide

Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.
Shopping in Venice - The Guide

Shopping in Venice is wonderful but you can get lost in a maze of souvenir shops. You'll avoid that if you know where to go. Discover the best places to shop - from markets to designer stores.

Please Book with Us...

Maria here, if you enjoy my site and Facebook page I'd love your support.

Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) with the search box below or with any of the hotel links on the website.

I promise you'll get the best deal on accommodation available and the income we receive from HotelsCombined helps us to:

Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
Never have to accept money from hotels directly; that way we can share only those we genuinely love.