|
Completed in 2007 by Merkx + Girod Architecten, the Selexyz Dominicanen Bookstore in Maastricht in the Netherlands is an incredible church conversion that was originally consecrated in 1294. Located between Maastricht’s two major squares (the Markt and the Vrijthof), the bookstore is run by a large Dutch chain in collaboration with the city council of Maastricht. |
 |
|
The location has not been used as a church for over 200 years. Before becoming a bookstore it served as a bicycle storage, exam hall for students, a Christmas market and venue for various shows and events. While some may find this usage peculiar, there are actually a significant number of abandoned churches in the Netherlands, many of them hundreds of years old. |
 |
|
With land being a premium in the country, local governments have opted to convert and restore (just look at those ceilings!) rather than demolish these historic abandoned buildings. For those interested in more information, there’s a great write-up on this building at Crossroads Magazine. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Submitted by: Ron E.
This Structure Made Entirely Out of Trees is Magnificent
This masterpiece is so beautiful, you will want to travel all the way to New Zealand to see it!
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
These Are Some of the Most Stunning Architectural Creations
Beautiful Architectural Designs!
These Famous Clock Towers are a Sight to Behold!
These famous clocks do more than just tell time. They are an architectural highlight, drawing in throngs of tourists. Let's take a look.
20 Works of Street Art that Send a Message to the World
This collection features some of the best street art that appeared in 2015 - perhaps you may have seen some of these works of art walking in the streets.
These Award-Winning Photos are a Visual Delight
you are invited to view 15 selected images from the competition, which will show you that our world has many true and natural artworks, and you only need to know where to point the camera lens.
12 Stunning Award-Winning Photos from Zoos and Aquariums
Check out the winning entries of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums photography competition.
Learn All About the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as testament to the imagination, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. Learn more here.
The Charm of the Faroe Islands in 12 Stunning Photos
Are you familiar with the Faroe Islands? The natural beauty of this European archipelago is often compared to that of Iceland.
This Macro Photography Shows a New World Beneath Our Feet
There is a stunning world beneath our feet that's difficult to see. However, thanks to modern technology, we are now able to admire this world in all its glory.
These Incredible Photos Will Take Your Breath Away!
Enjoy some of the most spectacular photos from the Smithsonian Magazine's 15th annual contest.
There's Nothing Quite Like These Perfectly-Timed Photos!
Take a look at these 20 incredible perfectly-timed photos, some of which are outrageously hilarious. Enjoy!
Explore the Magic of Outer Space Through These 15 Images
Here are 15 of the most captivating astronomy pictures.
The Beauty of Nature Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Our planet is so varied, and yet somehow all equally beautiful. Admire 15 award-winning nature and wildlife photos that...
5 Adorable Tiny Houses That May Inspire You to Downsize
I could never understand the tiny house craze, until I saw just how amazing some of them actually look. Here are 5 cute, small houses.
3:03
Even Ordinary Things Look Fascinating in Slow Motion!
Even the simplest things like moving a tennis racket covered in powder or cutting a water balloon look absolutely fascinating in slow motion!
These Japanese Truck Gardens Are Absolutely Stunning!
Every year, landscapers from across Japan create amazing and whimsical gardens in their trucks to see who can claim to be the best mobile landscaper.
Incredible Ancient Ruins Restored to Their Former Glory
What did these 7 ancient ruins look like back when they were first created? Fascinating!
10 Places of Worship That'll Leave You Utterly Speechless
These stunning places of worship will dazzle you with their architectural beauty and breathtaking surroundings. Located all over the world, these beautiful buildings are bound to leave you speechless.
These National Geographic Photos All Won Awards
These beautiful photos are all winners and runner ups of National geographic's travelers' photography competition.
The Winners of the Top Bird Photo Contest of 2020 Are In!
They're finally here, the winners of the 2020 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards, the biggest bird photography competition in the world!
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
Historic Pics: Fascinating Architecture of Past Centuries
Each sepia-toned image tells a profound story, serving as both historical testimony and artistic record.
The World From Above: 14 Award-Winning Drone Shots
Check out the amazing drone photos from the 10th Annual SkyPixel Aerial Photography Awards.
Milestones in History: the 12 First Photographs Ever Taken
The history of photography reaches back centuries, and its evolution is made apparent if we look at some of the most iconic photos in history
You Can’t Tear Your Eyes Away From These Bizarre Buildings
Explore some of the most unusual yet fascinating buildings from around the world…
15 Amazing Images Documenting the Wonders Found Underwater
These photos won the 2018 World Photography Competition and after you see them you'll understand why....
Nostalgia Alert: 17 Vintage Things That Time Almost Forgot
Let’s take a trip back in time and rediscover 17 fascinating things that made the past so unforgettable.
100-Year-Old Colored Photos That Make History Feel Real
These vintage color photos are absolutely mesmerizing.
4:42
A 700-Year-Old Cave Converted into a Dream Home?
Take a look at what one man accomplished when he decided to turn a 700-year-old cave into his dream home.
11 Architectural Masterpieces Worldwide Inspired by Nature
Let’s delve into the world of organic architecture and consider 11 noteworthy examples of buildings that took their inspiration from nature.
21 Jaw-Dropping Optical Illusions That Make Your Head Spin
The optical illusions will try to confuse your brain, so much so that you will think these photos are edited. But don’t be deceived...
Can You Believe These Stunning Photos Were Taken by Kids?
You'll be so glad to discover that National Geographic have run a competition for children photographers - especially when you see this year's winners!
Dogs Make Wedding Photos a Hundred Times Cuter!
When dogs participate in wedding and engagement photos, incredibly cute and funny photos are guaranteed!
16 Rare Coins From Different Eras and Nations
Here’s look at some rare and unusual coins that have captured the interest of collectors and researchers alike.
18 Great 3D Images That’ll Bring You Back to the 90s
These 18 nostalgic images will bring many of you back to the 90s, and make you stare at the screen trying to figure out whats going on in them!
The Children of London 70 Years Ago – 16 Captivating Pics
Enjoy these fascinating vintage pictures of children on the streets of London by the late photographer Thurston Hopkins.
These Historical Building Restorations Only Did More Harm
The restoration projects of these historical buildings didn't go according to plan, it seems, and these 12 buildings were transformed beyond belief...
These 14 Microscopical Images Reveal a Whole New World
These 14 images prove that taking a closer look can make the world look incredibly richer and more beautiful. We just need some microscopy to appreciate it.
Black-and-White Photos of National Parks Across Western US
Lynn Radeka has been traveling to famous national parks across the western US and capturing them on film since the late 1980s!
15 Photos You'll Need to Look Twice At to Believe!
Take a look at these pictures, then a second, then a third, because just one isn't enough to figure out whats going on in them!
Look Closer. These Pictures Aren’t What They Appear to Be
Look very closely at these pictures. Because they might confuse you at first glance.
Who Said History Has To Be Black and White?
Have you ever wondered how famous historical photos would look like in color? Wonder no more...
I Can't Believe the USA Looked So Different in the Fifties
Here are 20 rare photos from the golden age of the USA - the 1950s!
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
14 Famous Things Invented by the Japanese
The Japanese are some of the most creative people in the world. Here are 14 things that we bet you didn’t know were originally invented by the Japanese.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.
