You can find one of the continent’s oldest bookstores right in the center of Split’s old town. Housed in the same Venetian palace since it’s opening in 1860, it has a mandate that stipulates that the facade can’t change and that the bookstore may never close it’s doors to make room for a different business.

I love bookstores, and make a point to search them out all over the world. For me they’re the quiet heart and soul of a city. Morpurgo was founded by Vid Morpurgo, who in addition to the bookstore also established a library in Split, built a brick factory, founded a bank for farmers, was active in Split’s political life, and, if that’s not enough, launched one of Croatia’s biggest distilleries. The bookstore continued throughout the years to play a strong part in Split’s cultural, intellectual and political life.

>>>Warm thanks to Alan Mandić from Secret Dalmatia, for organizing a truly memorable, and off the beaten path trip for our curious and insatiable group of travelers, and to the Hotel Cornaro for accommodations in Split.

More Recommendations

Morpurgo Bookstore

You can find one of the continent’s oldest bookstores right in the center of Split’s old town. Housed in the same Venetian palace since it’s opening in 1860, it has a mandate that stipulates that the facade can’t change and that the bookstore may never close it’s doors to make room for a different business.

I love bookstores, and make a point to search them out all over the world. For me they’re the quiet heart and soul of a city. Morpurgo was founded by Vid Morpurgo, who in addition to the bookstore also established a library in Split, built a brick factory, founded a bank for farmers, was active in Split’s political life, and, if that’s not enough, launched one of Croatia’s biggest distilleries. The bookstore continued throughout the years to play a strong part in Split’s cultural, intellectual and political life.

>>>Warm thanks to Alan Mandić from Secret Dalmatia, for organizing a truly memorable, and off the beaten path trip for our curious and insatiable group of travelers, and to the Hotel Cornaro for accommodations in Split.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Uje
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR