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.
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.
The Ten Most Beautiful Temples in the World.
This beautiful photo series truly displays how incredible these temples are.
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.
These Bridges Aren't Just Practical, They're Beautiful!
These amazing works of engineering are a sight to see, as well as to cross...
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!
Nature Used All Possible Colors to Create These Animals
Nature is filled with beautiful animals, plants and insects, with magnificent colors and shapes. The dazzling colors of these animals can only be found in nature, see for yourself in the photos below.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
These Photos Bring to Life the Most Beautiful Reflections
These photographs are really spectacular. The conditions were exactly right for the photographers to capture these images. Enjoy the stillness here.
19 Images of Deceptive Moments You’ll Never See in Reality
Photographers have a lot of tricks up their sleeve, and these 19 images will be a little daunting to your senses.
Earth is a Gorgeous Place, and These 18 Photos Prove It
From the national parks in the United States, through the enchanting sights of the frozen north - these are the amazing gifts nature has to offer us.
21 Historical Pics That Open a Visceral Window to the Past
Old photographs have a special value to them - they allow us to take a glimpse into the past and experience what life was like long before we came into being.
These Photos Show What People Had to Bear in the Wild West
These photos illustrate what life in the Wild West was like.
15 Interior Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style
If you follow these rules, your home will never run out of style!
Humor and Art Collide in These Wacky Street Art Pics
Frank de Ruwe is a street artist who uses his witty and brilliant art to bring fresh life to dull and bland streets.
Japan's Nature Comes Alive in Gorgeous Photo Collection
The immense beauty of Japan's nature is presented through a huge collection of sublime photographs.
These Photos Are REAL? Yep, They Sure Are!
No images will bend and bamboozle your mind as much as these 19, completely real photos. Can you work out what was going on here?
Welcome to Elk Rock Residence, a Retro Luxury Tree House
This house was built entirely by high school dropouts, who all found a second chance for a successful life and career.
This Unique Dune House is Like a Hobbit Home, But Better
This astonishing and unique Florida home built into a sand dune facing the beach is sure to impress you!
Taj Falaknuma Palace: The Most Opulent Oriental Beauty
Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the most fabulous gems in all of India, with plenty of fascinating stories to tell from the age of the British Empire.
7 Incredible Ancient Engineering Feats to Astound You
Our ancient ancestors were incredible engineers as you're about to learn from this infographic.
25 Photos That Tell an Amazing Story
Extraordinary photos from recent years who have really made an impact on all who see them.
Magnificent Photos of the World's Last Native Tribes
Jimmy Nelson spends his life traveling the world and reminding us of where we came from, namely indigenous tribes. Take a look at his stunning work.
22 New and Beautiful Colorized Vintage Photos
Enjoy this amazing new collection of colorized historical photos.
In Photos: 15 Gorgeous Cities from Around the World
We have curated a collection of 15 stunning photographs that capture the essence of these cities or showcase their breathtaking sights in a single frame.
30 Dazzling Photos of Snow Covered Landscapes
Winter is magnificent, and these 30 photos taken from different corners of our planet are here to support that sentiment.
17 Poignant Photos That Are Anything But Ordinary
At first glance, you might not understand what's so special about some of these photos, but each one has a backstory that will make it unforgettable.
Interactive: What Happens When We Try to Take Pro Photos!
It can seem like photography is easy, all you need is a camera and a beautiful subject. Yet these photos prove that the experts do know what they're doing!
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice!!
Photography is a medium that allows magic to happen, with spontaneity often producing far more interesting results. View these photos timed to perfection.
These Designers Did SUCH a Great Job! 19 Handy Innovations
These creative design innovations should be more popular than they are, as they are so very clever and useful!
This Common Waterhole Attracts a Huge Variety of Wildlife
When this photographer set up a camera trap near a watering hole in Kenya, he had no idea he'd be able to capture all these rare animals!
These Underwater Photos Are Bound to Leave You in Awe!
Check out some of the most outstanding entries from 2018's Underwater Photographer of the Year contest. which will make you wonder just how many other wonders and horrors are lurking deep beneath the surface of the ocean.
This Artist Has Managed to Capture Moments of Innocence
These photos truly let the innocence of this amazing photographer's subjects shine through in all their glory
21 Photos from The World's Most Beautiful Historical Sites
For professional photographers, historical sites are among the most picturesque places in the world, proof of which you can see in these photos...
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
This Photographer Really Captures the Beauty of the Ocean...
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov.
The Wildlife of Britain Has Never Looked More Amazing
It's unbelievable how much biodiversity a relatively small country like Britain contains. These 9 photographs capture the island's stunning natural beauty.
These Buildings Are Marvels of Human Creation!
Skyscrapers are the wonders of man-made construction technology and in the following article, you'll see 11 stunning buildings that will truly astonish you.
You’ll Never Forget These Unbelievable Microscopic Photos
Take a look at the amazing winners of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest 2022.
These Vintage Photos Show People Grew Up Faster Back Then
These 15 photos clearly seem to suggest that people in the past have matured much faster than people do these days...
Bask in the Glory of Mother Nature
After taking a look at these amazing photos, it should become clear that Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with!
How an Insane King Built the World’s Most Beautiful Castle
Neuschwanstein is most recognized castle, famous for its fairy tale like appearance. But the history of this stunning castle is no fairy tale
Stunning Drone Photography of Temples Across Asia
Talented photographer Eleonora Costi traveled through 7 Asian countries and captured stunning shots of the most unique looking temples
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 Photos Show the Hustle and Bustle of a WWII Shipyard
Old photos from the war remind us of the effort undertaken by our forefathers to secure our future. Take a look at the hustle and bustle of a wartime shipyard.
Can You Find the Women in These Landscape Photos?
At a glimpse, these photographs look like beautiful shots of nature, but if you look closer you will spot beautiful women blended into the scenery.