On a foggy December morning I paid a visit to a newly opened bookshop in Bucharest: Bastilia Bookstore (Librăria Bastilia). The moment I stepped inside I knew it would become one of my weekly stops. Located in an elegant old house, of national heritage, built in 1912, once the studio of painter Gheorghe Petraşcu, one of the most important Inter-War Romanian painters, the concept bookstore meets all my expectations: not just a place where I can find my favourite authors and latest titles, but also a lovely place to unwind and spend a relaxing time. But what I loved the most was the wonderful atmosphere, the warm welcoming and smiles of the personnel. This alone goes a long way.
I am thrilled to discover a new place for “culture lovers” in Bucharest, “for those who still enjoy reading by opening a book and not a laptop, for those who want to relax in a pleasant, welcoming, friendly place”. On the ground and first floors you can find a wide variety of books (across all subjects, from literature, history and art to cooking and children’s books), music and films, as well as a fine selection of teas and tea accessories, two reading nooks where you can peacefully browse a book, and, most importantly, you can find competent opinions and recommendations from the shop assistants.
Note: the interior was illustrated by artist Ion Barbu.
Does Librăria Bastilia aim to inspire the discovery or rediscovery of the pleasure of reading? It’s a question that immediately sprang into my mind. And the answer is yes. The discovery of the pleasure of reading in the case of children, encouraging them to read by offering a variety of books and by organizing reading evenings starting with January. And the rediscovery of it in the case of everyone captivated by literature, by the printed word, of every reader who wants more, who is continuously rediscovering the pleasure of reading.
The attic shelters the Seventh Heaven café, where you can have a delicious cup of tea (try the fruit selection), coffee or wine and where all kinds of events take place every day: book releases, exhibitions, workshops, cooking sessions and reading evenings for adults and children. Not just a pleasant way to pass an evening or a weekend afternoon, but an educational and cultural one too. Because “culture, in one word” is what visitors should expect from Librăria Bastilia.
photos: by me. The bookshop’s address is Piaţa Romană nr. 5 (5, Roman Square). You can find out more about Librăria Bastilia on their facebook page.
PS: A special thank you to the PR Manager, for her kindness and for her thoughtful answers on which this article is based.
This post is part of my Beautiful Bucharest series and you can read the first one here.
Ever since I started reading your blog, I have been patiently waiting for some pics of your city so I was so excited to log on and see this! What an incredibly beautiful bookstore! It’s sad that we are beginning to see less and less of these magical places. For me, there is nothing better than the relaxing smell of books and whispered conversation in a bookstore. I so wish I could visit this place… maybe I will one day…
Lovely post… I love to discover special stores within a large city. Especially bookstores where you can completely lose yourself in as soon as you flick through pages of a gorgeous hardcover design book or interesting autobiography. I could spend all afternoon there… but what to do with a toddler! (in a past life it was a definite).
Helenx
Fab post hun, hope you having a lovely week! xx
How fantastic! I love bookstores and the fact that this one is set in a historic house makes it even more appealing. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos!
This looks wonderful! I love seeing independently owned bookshops…they are so hard to find now in the States, with large bookstore chains taking over!
This is absolutely beautiful. I love this post, and i love the library. This is the kind of place I could spend hours and hours in.
In the UK, libraries have come under a threat of being closed down all around the country. The governement has cut down financial support significantly, which is a very sad affair.
It is so lovely to see that Bucharest is doing quite the opposite and has invested in such a wonderful place.
Your best post so far.
Have a lovely xmas
Red
I love it when you find little gems like this locally and sharing them is part of the joy – have a very fab xmas xxxx
http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/
Oh I’d love to visit this shop! The interior is gorgeous and I adore anything related to books and delicious tea.
Hope you had a wonderful day, sweetheart! x
oh how lovely! what a great find! i love discovering great bookstores!
xo
I think this is one of the most beautiful bookshops I’ve ever seen! I would really like to visit your city one day.
Coco Chanel
Welcome
Things that inspire me
Beautiful Bucharest
Classiq elsewhere
Regular categories
Chic Files
Guest posts and features
Interviews on Classiq
Daily reads
Cinema style
Classiq bookstore
Cinema Classiq
Archive
Blog etiquette
Movie photos credit