Livraria de Santiago
Livraria de Santiago
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
59 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
20
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Molly
35 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We found this church/library by accident in that we didn’t know that it was a book store. I loved the idea of the conversion but it would be much nicer if the book cases and new interior fit the aesthetic of the church. They’ve put some really modern looking furniture and book cases in there and it’s just a bit jarring to look at. Would be really charming if it kinda matched a bit more!
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK23,075 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
The origins of this church date back to 1186 although it was rebuilt in 1772 following earthquake damage. In recent years it had become abandoned, and it was at this stage that some forward looking bookshop owners in Lisbon managed to raise €300,000 to create this magnificent bookshop. The books are, of course, mainly in Portugese, but there are some in other languages. What a great way to bring a building back to life, long may it continue.
Written October 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eddie P
Elgin, UK565 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The Church of Saint Peter is not used as a Church anymore its more a book store, but well worth a visit
Written August 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jostony
Cambridge, UK305 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Church next to Pousada castle so paid a visit and was surprised to find it was full of books and is now a bookstore.
Written August 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magda A
Sde Nehemia, Israel47 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
This was a surprise, and I personaly think is has very nicely been converted in a book shop, still a place of respect and silence, and the sales are for a good cause.
Written July 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
D H
Jacksonville, FL168 contributions
May 2015 • Family
No longer a church but a book store. Nothing extra special but an interesting way to utilize the building. Still has the front altar to view.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,822 contributions
Apr 2022
A total surprise to find a bookstore in a recycled old church. What a great reuse for an old religious building! And double surprise that the bookstore is excellent. Come in and browse.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travella2016
Kempsey, Australia789 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
What an unexpected surprise in this beautiful town of Obidos where the 12th Century Church of Santiago has been converted into a Library/Bookshop. The Library has a very calming presence & books are arranged on shelves with cosy little nooks for people to sit & relax & to "escape" in a good book. The ornate interior of the church has been kept & the shelving has been arranged around the alter, pulpits etc. I found this church by accident & I was so glad that I did. It was a highlight to my visit of Obidos.
Written December 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brimble
Lagos, Portugal171 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
When is a bookstore not a bookstore?
It's not a riddle. The answer though is when it's a tourist attraction.
Seriously, this is a very nice place, with everything you could want from a book store. Great layout, attractive selection and a freedom to browse. The displays draw you in and even if many of the books are in a language not your own, you still would like to take those books home.
The problem bizarrely is the sheer amount of people who are cluttering up the place taking photos of each other fronting the displays, or (spare me) selfies with the original spiritual backdrops of this converted church. Many of them had no interest in the books at all.
I suppose if you create something this special, it will inevitably bring in viewers (but sadly not customers).
And yes, we did buy a book.
It's not a riddle. The answer though is when it's a tourist attraction.
Seriously, this is a very nice place, with everything you could want from a book store. Great layout, attractive selection and a freedom to browse. The displays draw you in and even if many of the books are in a language not your own, you still would like to take those books home.
The problem bizarrely is the sheer amount of people who are cluttering up the place taking photos of each other fronting the displays, or (spare me) selfies with the original spiritual backdrops of this converted church. Many of them had no interest in the books at all.
I suppose if you create something this special, it will inevitably bring in viewers (but sadly not customers).
And yes, we did buy a book.
Written October 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin Thurgood... T
Ottery St. Mary, UK2,502 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
A bookshop like no other. Well worth a moment or two of your time when you visit the charming, if over-popular, hilltop town of Obidos.
Written July 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Livraria de Santiago (Obidos) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Livraria de Santiago
- We recommend booking Livraria de Santiago tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Livraria de Santiago tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Livraria de Santiago:
- (0.01 mi) Casa de S. Thiago do Castelo
- (0.03 mi) Pousada Castelo Óbidos
- (0.14 mi) Casa Picva
- (0.12 mi) Pousada Vila Óbidos
- (0.07 mi) Casa Dos Frutos Divinos
- Restaurants near Livraria de Santiago:
- (0.04 mi) Bar Ibn Errik Rex
- (0.07 mi) Capinha d'Óbidos
- (0.09 mi) tasca torta
- (0.05 mi) Nata Lisboa - Óbidos
- (0.04 mi) Restaurante da Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos