|
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.
Witness Persia's Oriental Genius at 'The Pink Mosque'
Every morning, the dawn brings extraordinary colors to this glorious mosque....
The Haunting Beauty of Abandoned Churches in 13 Images
There is something captivating and beautiful in the decay of an abandoned churches, and this photo series captures it perfectly.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
The 16 Buildings Most Revered By Architects The World Over
There are buildings that are arguably more impressive than the ones you see here, but architects have their reasons for picking them out. Discover them here.
These Towers Are All Utterly Remarkable in their Own Ways
Towers were traditionally built as part of defenses to ward off potential invaders, but their uses have changed over time. Here are 14 of the most famous ones.
Step Inside Some of the World's Most Stunning Mosques
Mosques are a place of worship. They are places in which class, wealth, status and ethnicity disappear. Take a look at 10 of the world's most beautiful mosques.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane with These Rare Photographs
Even though the world is always in flux these images can make us feel like the good old days are frozen in time forever. Enjoy this great rare photo collection.
You Won't See These Rare Sights Twice in Your Lifetime!
Here are 20 rare and unbelievable sights that you certainly won't end up seeing twice in you lifetime!
This Spring in the Gobi Desert Looks Like Abstract Art!
The Devil's Eye is a natural spring that looks more like a figment of an abstract artist’s imagination than a real place on our planet.
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.
18 Pieces of Furniture With Entirely Unique Designs
Behold some of the most fascinating designs for furniture we've seen in a while!
3:02
WATCH: The Inner Workings of London's Big Ben
Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock tower, having stood in Westminster, London for over 150 years Watch this video to see how it works.
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!
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
These 17 Unique Bird Photos Reflect Each Bird’s Character
This photographer is extremely skilled at capturing the unique character of each bird, take a look at these 17 vivid and majestic photos by her
5:09
What Does Your Home Say About You?
Your home can say a whole lot about your state of mind, so make sure you furnish it to the best of your ability!
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.
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.
Dogs Make Wedding Photos a Hundred Times Cuter!
When dogs participate in wedding and engagement photos, incredibly cute and funny photos are guaranteed!
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!
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
The Name of the Game is... Camouflage!
These confusing pictures will challenge your vision and your mind!
7:36
5 Ancient Roman Buildings Still Inhabited Today
These Ancient Roman homes were never really abandoned. In fact, some of them are almost perfectly preserved and inhabited to this day...
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
See Vintage Post-War New York in All Its Photogenic Glory
Take a trip down memory lane with some fabulous and fascinating vintage photos of New York City as it used to be in the glory of the post-war period...
16:41
Dialect Coach Checks If Star Actors Can Shed Their Accents
How hard is it for actors to fake an accent in a specific role? Language coach Erik Singer explains this on 32 examples from famous films.
Take a Look At These Rare, Recently-Unearthed Vintage Pics
Vintage photos are wonderful to see in themselves, but they take on a whole new significance when we know the stories behind them. Take a look.
Summer Home Decor on a Budget: Room-by-Room Guide
While summer isn't here yet, it's great to start early with your pre-summer home makeover on a budget.
16 Awe-Inspiring Photographs We Should Feel Lucky to See
Some images that we see of our Earth are truly awe-inspiring, and that can definitely can be said for the next 16 images you're about to see. Take a look.
You May Know These Photos, but Not Their History...
These photographs are so famous, there is no chance you don't know them. But do you the absolutely incredible stories that led to those moments?
These Award-Winning Insect Pics Are Absolutely Mesmerizing
Marvel at the outstanding winners of the 2024 Royal Entomological Society Photography Competition.
This Cool Photo Contest Shows Nature In a Brand New Light
For the third year in a row, the Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest shows us the natural world from a brand new, incredibly intimate perspective.
Some Photos Require No Explanation Whatsoever!
Here are 16 photos, all of which speak more than a thousand words by themselves.
Astrophotography: The Perfect Blend of Art and Science
From vibrant photos of the Northern lights to incredible snaps of the sun - these photos all have the chance to win Astononmy Photo of the Year and rightfully so!
15 Pics That Showcase the Beauty of the Underwater Realm
Check out some of the best winning images from this year's Ocean Art “Safe Under the Sea” contest.
15 Fascinating Pictures of Extraordinarily Rare Things
The world around us is filled with captivating elements.Take a look at this collection of 15 fascinating photographs of rarely seen things.
Time Transforms Everything - 15 Incredible Photos
Admire how time changed the world around us in these 15 historical photo comparisons of famous places around the world.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
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.
These Buildings Blend In So Well, You Might Miss Them...
The architectural design of these places will baffle you!
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.
15 Unique and Fascinating Houses That’ll Surprise You
Some people have reinvented the concept of "home," check out their eclectic taste with the following 15 pictures!
20 Pictures that Show How the World Changed over 100 Years
A gallery of bizarre, nostalgic or unique black and white pictures
The Stellar Night Sky Like You've Never Seen It Before
Enjoy these surrealist photographs of the stellar night sky over the great wide open.
12 Glorious Views of the Ancient Forest of Madeira
Madeira’s Laurel forest is as ancient as it is breathtaking. Witness the beauty of the primeval forest and learn more about its history here...
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!
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
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.
