Book Store Dominicanen (Boekhandel Dominicanen)
The 13th-century Dominican Church in Maastricht, now Boekhandel Dominicanen, showcases magnificent Gothic architecture, including ceiling and wall paintings. It served as a monastery before becoming a bookstore in 2006.
About this building
The Dominican Church in Maastricht, constructed in the 13th century, is a remarkable Gothic structure with a rich history. Over the centuries, it served as a monastery, stable, and even a bookstore. The church stands out for its stunning ceiling and wall paintings, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows.
In 2006, after a thorough restoration led by architect Rob Brouwers, the church was transformed into Boekhandel Dominicanen, a contemporary bookstore housing around 25,000 titles. The interior design by Merkx+Girod beautifully blends with the historical elements. The presbytery now hosts Coffeelovers, offering a panoramic view of the interior.
The bookstore regularly hosts cultural events, and a music department was added in 2015. Notable features include the preserved sacral elements and the oldest known wall painting from 1337 depicting St. Thomas Aquinas.
