Livraria de Santiago Óbidos
A medieval church transformed into a captivating bookstore, offering a unique literary sanctuary within Óbidos' historic walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing
Livraria de Santiago Óbidos
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval church transformed into a captivating bookstore, offering a unique literary sanctuary within Óbidos' historic walls.
"A chapel converted into a library! Very unique and beautiful interiors. A wonderful place to lose yourselves in the books."
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friend! This unique bookstore welcomes dogs, offering a cool interior for them to relax while you browse.
📚 Multilingual Selection
Discover a fantastic choice of books in different languages, catering to a wide range of readers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Church-Bookstore
Inside the former Church of Santiago
Step into a medieval church transformed into a captivating bookstore, where books replace pews and stories fill the sacred space.
Literary Treasures
Throughout the bookstore
Explore a diverse collection of new, used, and antiquarian books in various languages, a true haven for any reader.
Historic Ambiance
Within the medieval walls of Óbidos
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a historic church, offering a serene and inspiring setting for browsing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Lovers' Sanctuary
Óbidos' Literary Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friend! This unique bookstore welcomes dogs, offering a cool interior for them to relax while you browse.
📚 Multilingual Selection
Discover a fantastic choice of books in different languages, catering to a wide range of readers.
⛪ Church-to-Bookstore Charm
Experience the magic of a former church, now a beautiful library, offering a truly unique shopping experience. 
📜 Rich History Inside
Learn about the church's history, rebuilt after an earthquake, now a literary sanctuary.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friend! This unique bookstore welcomes dogs, offering a cool interior for them to relax while you browse.
📚 Multilingual Selection
Discover a fantastic choice of books in different languages, catering to a wide range of readers.
⛪ Church-to-Bookstore Charm
Experience the magic of a former church, now a beautiful library, offering a truly unique shopping experience.
📜 Rich History Inside
Learn about the church's history, rebuilt after an earthquake, now a literary sanctuary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Livraria de Santiago, calling it a unique and beautiful gem within Óbidos. The conversion of a historic church into a bookstore is widely praised for its charm and atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape filled with a diverse selection of books.
"A Chapel converted into a library! Very unique and beautiful interiors. A wonderful place to lose yourselves in the books."
Bharathi Mani
"It is quite interesting because you do not really expect to see a library during the castle wall walking , but it is quite impressive and there are lots of books that may interest you."
Mustafa Arikan
"A cool bookshop inside the church. Unique n beautiful. Great place for reading."
Chris Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Livraria de Santiago is located within the medieval walls of Óbidos, Portugal. You can reach Óbidos by bus from Lisbon or other major cities. Once inside the town, it's a short walk to the bookstore, which is situated near the castle entrance.
Parking is generally available outside the medieval walls of Óbidos. It's recommended to park your car and explore the charming town on foot, as the bookstore is within the pedestrianized historic center.
Yes, Livraria de Santiago is easily accessible on foot from the main entrance of Óbidos. The town is small and walkable, and the bookstore is a prominent landmark within the walls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Livraria de Santiago. It functions as a public bookstore, allowing visitors to browse freely.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during typical daytime business hours. It's advisable to check their specific hours closer to your visit, especially during off-season or holidays.
As it's an old church, accessibility might be limited. However, the main areas are generally navigable. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility needs.
🎫 📖 Onsite Experience
You can expect a unique experience of browsing a wide selection of books within the historic walls of a former church. It's a peaceful place to discover literary treasures.
The bookstore sometimes hosts events like film screenings, book launches, and debates, especially during literary festivals like Folio.
Yes, it's a great place to relax and read. Many visitors enjoy spending time browsing and soaking in the unique atmosphere.
Absolutely! The unique setting of a church turned bookstore offers many beautiful and intriguing photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Livraria de Santiago is primarily a bookstore and does not have a restaurant or cafe inside. However, Óbidos offers numerous charming cafes and restaurants just outside its walls.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the bookstore to preserve the books and the historic interior.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Livraria de Santiago, but it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the ambiance.
The entire space is photogenic! Capture the shelves filled with books, the architectural details of the former church, and the unique blend of history and literature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during quieter times to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. The dog-friendly policy also means well-behaved pets can join the adventure, making it a great outing for the whole family, including furry members.
📚 Avid Readers & Book Collectors
Take your time to explore the shelves thoroughly. The unique setting enhances the joy of book hunting, making it an experience that goes beyond a typical bookstore visit. It’s a place to get lost in literature and history simultaneously.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
+1Beyond the architectural history, the bookstore's role in Óbidos' designation as a Literary Village showcases the town's commitment to culture. The presence of local artisans like Natália Santos further enriches the cultural experience, offering a tangible connection to the region's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Church's Second Life: The History of Livraria de Santiago
+1Today, this historic structure serves as a vibrant hub for book lovers. The transition from a place of worship to a place of learning and imagination is palpable. Visitors can still sense the sacredness of the space, now infused with the quiet hum of readers and the scent of old paper. It’s a unique blend of the spiritual and the intellectual, offering a profound experience for anyone who steps inside.
+1The bookstore is part of Óbidos' identity as a 'Literary Village,' a designation that highlights the town's commitment to literature and culture. The Livraria de Santiago stands as a prime example of this, drawing visitors who appreciate both its historical significance and its contemporary role in fostering a love for books.
+1Beyond the Books: The Artistic Soul of Livraria de Santiago
One particularly heartwarming aspect is the presence of Natália Santos, a weaver of threads and verses, who has a dedicated space within the bookstore. She was invited by the town council in 2015 and has since been weaving poetry and intertwining threads for visitors. Her presence adds a unique, artisanal touch to the bookstore, blending visual art with the written word.
This integration of different art forms—literature, history, and artisanal crafts—creates a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors. It’s a place where you can not only find your next favorite book but also engage with local culture and artistic expression in a deeply meaningful way.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit