Buildings Repurposed Into Amazing Bookstores

This English language bookstore in Paris is one of the most famous in the world. And in the age of the mega book chains, it's still independently owned. Housed in what was originally a 17th century monastery, its filled with narrow staircases, secluded nooks and crowded shelves. If you're a well-known author you could even get invited to stay here and sleep on one of the many benches or cots scattered throughout the store.

Located in the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands, this book store was last used as a church in 1794. This former Catholic church, which dates from 1294, now houses a three story book store created by architects Merkx + Girod. The building retains most of its former architecture, and includes restored frescoes, vaulted ceilings, ornate archways and a cross-shaped table in the cafe.

Located in Argentina's capitol city of Buenos Aires, El Ateneo was opened as a theatre in 1919 and converted into a cinema in the twenties. In 1929, it showed the first sound films presented in Argentina. The building was renovated and converted into a book and music shop under the direction of the architect Fernando Manzone. Cinema seats were removed but the stage, theatre boxes, ceiling frescos and other architectural details were left untouched. Following refurbishment, the 21,000 square foot El Ateneo Grand Splendid became the Grupo Ilhsa's flagship book store. It welcomes over 1 million visitors a year.

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