Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Shopper’s Diary: La Formiga d’Or in Barcelona

Search

Shopper’s Diary: La Formiga d’Or in Barcelona

October 14, 2011

The 2001 bestselling novel The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon has convinced us that there is a secret Cemetery of Forgotten Books in Barcelona, or at least that there could be such a place, in a city with so many romantic, historic spaces. The bookstore La Formiga d'Or, while not exactly secret, satisfies our imagination: It's tucked away in a side chapel of the Barcelona Cathedral, or Le Seu, in Barcelona's famous Gothic quarter (El Barri Gòtic). Not to be confused with Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, Le Seu is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain, known for its large bell towers covered in Gothic pinnacles and high arches, and dates back to the 13th century. Local architect Estudio P. Libano created a jewel box: Simple, unadorned materials enable the little bookstore, which sells religious books and souvenirs, to sit comfortably within the awe-inspiring, medieval structure.

Photography by Marian Martinez.

Shoppers Diary La Formiga dOr in Barcelona portrait 3

Above: The bookstore is tucked away in one of the side chapels of the cloister.

Shoppers Diary La Formiga dOr in Barcelona portrait 4

Above: The bookstore's footprint measures just 350 square feet, in dramatic contrast to the chapel's 82-foot-high ceiling.

Shoppers Diary La Formiga dOr in Barcelona portrait 5

Above: The bookstore is outfitted with iron shelving and oiled wood displays.

Shoppers Diary La Formiga dOr in Barcelona portrait 6

Above: The new iron bookshelves echo the old iron gates.

Shoppers Diary La Formiga dOr in Barcelona portrait 7

Above: A display box contains a religious figurine.

(Visited 328 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0