We may have just found the 'best bookstore in the world' in Buenos Aires
There's something magical about a bookstore. I always make a beeline for them when I travel.
When you've seen the monuments, taken in the view and stuffed yourself full of local delicacies, a bookshop is like an oasis full of soothing words and dreamy pictures.
In Buenos Aires however, the humble store has been taken to the new level. Welcome to El Ateneo Grand Splendid, an old theatre that has been transformed into a book mecca that would rival the Shiz University library in Wicked.
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Welcome to El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires. Nine / Supplied
In fact, National Geographic magazine named it "the world's most beautiful bookstore".
Located in the upmarket Recoleta neighbourhood, the El Ateneo is one of the city's most popular attractions, visited by more than one million people each year.
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When I walked in there last week, my jaw hit the floor. "I'm going to need a while", I said to my son. He agreed.
Formerly a theatre, it opened in 1919 and hosted ballet, opera and then film. The national record label Odeon was based there. It even had its own radio station during the 20s.
The building formally housed a theatre. Getty
In 2000, an ambitious $3 million dollar renovation took place and the antique theatre was transformed into a bookstore. The seating became bookshelves. Theatre boxes are now cozy reading nooks.
Spread over four levels it is home to 120,000 books. There's a busy cafe up the back where the stage used to be and a record store on the bottom floor.
The books are Spanish offerings almost exclusively, with a handful of English titles tucked away.
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Spread over four levels the store is home to 120,000 books. Nine / Supplied
You need to stand next to one of the balcony railings to truly take it all in and view the dome ceiling which is painted with frescoes by Italian Nazareno Orlandi.
Walk up the stairs to the top level, then take your time wandering through the aisles. Marvel at each and every detail.
The ornate carvings, the velvet stage curtains and of course the books. The wonderful books that more than deserve this very special home.
