Last Updated on 17 July 2025 by Vanessa
You’ve probably heard of the Acqua Alta bookstore in Venice (also called Acqua Alta Libreria or High Water bookstore). This gorgeous book haven uses gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins to protect old books, maps, and magazines from the unpredictable canal waters. But that’s not all – the Acqua Alta bookstore is also a hangout for some adorable cats. Keep reading to discover their story.
Meet the cats who’ve claimed the Acqua Alta bookstore in Venice as their playground
A short history of the Acqua Alta bookstore in Venice
Luigi Frizzo founded the Acqua Alta bookstore in the early 2000s. Frizzo was a passionate lover of books who started collecting and selling second-hand books from his gondola. As his collection grew, he decided to open a bookstore in the Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, near St. Mark’s Square.
What sets the Acqua Alta bookstore apart is its creative response to the regular flooding that plagues Venice, particularly during the high tides or “acqua alta.” To protect the books from the rising water levels, Frizzo used bathtubs and waterproof bins to store the books. He stacks them in piles, places them inside boats, or elevates them on various surfaces to keep them safe from potential water damage.
One of the highlights of the Acqua Alta bookstore is the gondola located at the back of the shop. It is filled with books and serves as an Instagram-worthy photo spot for visitors.
The bookstore’s interior is a labyrinth of books, with narrow passages and uneven floors. You’ll pass by book-filled corners and a staircase made from books arranged to resemble a pyramid. This staircase leads up to a small balcony, offering a picturesque view of the nearby canal.
Behind the bookstore, there is an outdoor courtyard area where you can find even more books piled up as well as a charming staircase made of old encyclopedias. It is a quiet and cozy spot where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
The unique vibe of the Acqua Alta bookstore has made it a popular tourist destination and a favorite spot for book lovers and photographers. Over the years, the bookstore has gained international recognition and has been featured in various travel magazines and websites.
Meet the cats of the Acqua Alta bookstore
Roughly 12 years ago, two female kittens took up residence within the walls of the Acqua Alta bookstore.
When they later became pregnant, Frizzo found new homes for the kittens. However, he chose to keep the mother, Tigre, along with two of her daughters, Dominique and Mussipull. One of the daughters, Pirro, returned briefly but was regrettably stolen a few years later.
You’ll often see these cats gracing the Acqua Alta bookstore with their presence, except during the winter months when they prefer the warmth of a cozy home.
Tigre, in particular, shares an extraordinary bond with Frizzo. She is his constant companion, mirroring his every move and gazing at him with affectionate eyes. Their remarkable friendship is a sight to behold.
Therefore, if one seeks Tigre’s company, the search must begin with locating Frizzo, for they are inseparable.
And if she still proves elusive, a hidden spot inside one of the shelves, perhaps within a box, might reveal her whereabouts.
On occasion, Tigre may be discovered in the “erotic corner” of the library, a section strictly reserved for “adult cats,” much to the curiosity of visitors.
Dominique, on the other hand, is a skilled hunter, often returning to the Acqua Alta bookstore with her prized offerings of mice and pigeons, showcasing her natural prowess.
Mussipull has earned the moniker of “macchina” (meaning “machine” in english) due to his unrelenting purring. Once that engine ignites, there’s no stopping him.
The library has recently welcomed two new members to its feline family – Ziggy and Cocó. Their adoption came about as a result of Frizzo’s profound sorrow following the unfortunate theft of three of his cherished cats, including Pirro (Tigre’s son).
Hailing from Vicenza, Ziggy and Cocó bear such a striking resemblance that telling them apart can prove to be quite a challenge. Currently, they are easing into their roles at the Acqua Alta bookstore, gradually adjusting to the demands of the extended working hours.
By the way, the Acqua Alta bookstore now offers several photos from this article (featuring Ziggy and Cocó) as magnets.
Address and opening hours
Opening hours
Libreria Acqua Alta is open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 08:00 pm.
Address
Libreria Acqua Alta, Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa (Campiello del Trinidor) 5176 Venice, Italy.
Please note that since the Acqua Alta bookstore has become such a popular tourist attraction in Venice, it can get quite crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to visit earlier in the day to avoid larger crowds and have more space to explore and meet the cats.
How to get to the Acqua Alta Library?
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Start at St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) in Venice’s city center
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Head toward the Rialto Bridge and cross it
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Continue straight along the main shopping street, Mercerie
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After a short walk, reach Campo Santa Maria Formosa; the church will be on your left
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Take the small street to the right of the church, called Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa
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Follow this street until you find Campiello del Trinidor
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Acqua Alta Bookstore is on this small square
Please note that Venice’s streets can be quite confusing, and it’s easy to get lost. It’s always a good idea to have a navigation app to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
About the photographer
Dubbed as a “catographer,” Marianna Zampieri possesses a talent for capturing the essence of feline companionship through her lens. Hailing from Italy, she immortalizes the bonds between cats and their human counterparts. Zampieri”s work transcends mere pictures, offering a glimpse into the world where cats and humans intertwine, forming bonds that defy words and touch the very depths of our souls.
Her impressive portfolio boasts three volumes: Cats in Venice Volume 1, Cats in Venice Volume 2, and Cats in Venice Volume 3.
Zampieri has also curated a collection of cat calendars that serve as a perpetual celebration of the cats that grace the streets of Venice.
Explore more of Zampieri’s cat photography in the photo series C-AT WORK on Traveling Cats, featuring the “working kitties” of the Cat Sound Studio in Badia Polesine, the Rebelle barber shop in Vicenza, the Classense Library in Ravenna, and the Oliveti stationary store in Vicenza.
Did you like Zampieri’s photos of the Acqua Alta bookstore in Venice and its cats? Then share this post with your friends (especially cat lovers).
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