Acqua Alta Bookstore

The Acqua Alta Bookshop, located in the Castello district in Venice, is a unique and fascinating place, often considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Founded in 2002 by Luigi Frizzo, the bookshop embodies the eccentric spirit and resilience of the lagoon city. The name itself, “Acqua Alta”, refers to the phenomenon of high tides that often flood Venice, and the bookshop has been able to turn this challenge into a distinctive feature. Upon entering the Acqua Alta Bookshop, one immediately immerses oneself in an environment that seems to have come out of a dream. Books are creatively and unusually arranged, stacked in gondolas, bathtubs, boats, and shelves up to the ceiling, to protect them from water during frequent floods. This arrangement not only provides practical protection but also helps create a magical and chaotic atmosphere, where every corner hides a discovery. The bookshelves are full of volumes of all kinds, from used books to rare texts, from tourist guides to comics, to classic and modern literature. One of the most characteristic elements of the bookshop is the staircase made of books, built with old volumes, which leads to a breathtaking view of the adjacent canal. This staircase, along with the presence of gondolas and boats inside the shop, makes the Acqua Alta Bookshop an extraordinary and highly photographed place, now an icon for visitors to Venice. The bookshop is also famous for its feline residents. The cats of the Acqua Alta Bookshop add a touch of warmth and intimacy to the place, often seen curled up on books or wandering among the shelves. These cats have become an integral part of the experience, welcoming visitors and making the shop even more inviting. From a social and cultural perspective, the Acqua Alta Bookshop represents a microcosm of Venetian life. Located near Campo Santa Maria Formosa, it is easily accessible from the city’s main points of interest, such as Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Despite its proximity to tourist spots, the bookshop manages to maintain a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, offering a refuge from the crowds. The bookshop is not just a place to sell books, but also a cultural space where events, book presentations, and author meetings are organized. This helps make the Acqua Alta Bookshop a cultural reference point for the local community and international visitors. The current management, carried on by Luigi’s son, Lino Frizzo, continues to promote a passion for books and culture, keeping the founder’s legacy alive. From a historical perspective, the libr