The owners of this bookshop have had to store their books in bathtubs and boats because Venice is often flooded.
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/y0Wo8aN.jpg)
KEEPING A COLLECTION OF BOOKS in a city where the roads are made of water is a dangerous idea to begin with, but Venice’s Libreria Acqua Alta has nothing to fear since they just keep all their titles in waterproof basins.
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/YAE9yT6.jpg)
The self-proclaimed “most beautiful bookstore in the world” is composed of a number of over-stuffed rooms stacked wall-to-wall with books, magazines, maps, and other ephemera. Due to Venice’s constant flooding, however, these picturesque piles are all placed inside bathtubs, waterproof bins, and in one room a full-size gondola.
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/b0DEsDj.jpg)
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/aV6gUxJ.jpg)
The name itself even means “Bookshop of High Water.” When the local waterways rise to fill the store, the water can rise inches off the floor, destroying any other collection.
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/O3ZF0ob.jpg)
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/MHxXcJB.jpg)
The bookshop is whimsically cramped atmosphere is even reflected in its “fire escape,” which is simply a door leading directly out into a canal.
![Visit - Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice, Italy](https://i.imgur.com/rLj9uQR.jpg)
To really complete the look, the store has become home to more than one stray cat, who are also able to escape the rising tides by hanging out atop the stacks.
- Address: C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE
- Hours: 8 – Closes 7:30 PM