In the heart of Barcelona, on Ferran Street, the Sant Jordi bookstore has reopened its doors after a long hiatus. This spot is well-known to locals: for decades, it specialized in art, photography, design, and literature books. Now, after facing the threat of closure, the shop has not only preserved its book selection but also added a cozy restaurant and a rich cultural program.
Rafo Serra, owner of the Temps d’Oci agency and already known for rescuing another historic bookstore, Quera, decided to do more than just save Sant Jordi—he set out to give it new life. The store still features shelves of books in Catalan and Spanish, along with rare editions and new releases. At the back, a small restaurant now welcomes about ten guests, serving traditional Catalan cuisine: cannelloni, chicken legs, tapas, cheese platters, artichokes with romesco sauce, and even foie gras toast.
A new concept
A key feature of the renewed Sant Jordi is its cultural program. The store plans to host meetings with writers, literary dinners, book presentations, and themed discussions. All of this aims to turn the bookshop into a hub for locals and anyone who appreciates the atmosphere of old Barcelona. The reopening was supported by well-known writers Carlota Gurt and Jaume Clotet, who were the first guests in the refreshed space.
The store was saved thanks to a compromise between the new manager and the property owners, who agreed to lower the rent. This not only prevented its closure but also enabled the launch of an ambitious project featuring a restaurant and cultural events. The interior retains antique wooden furniture from the late 19th century, and the shop itself is protected by four heritage status designations as a cultural landmark.
A symbol of change
The story of Sant Jordi is more than just the tale of a bookstore. It’s an example of how to stand up to the influx of tourist-focused businesses and preserve a neighborhood’s unique spirit. After the death of former owner Josep Morales, hundreds of locals lined up to support the store and keep it from disappearing. For many Barcelona residents, Sant Jordi is an essential part of city life—a meeting place and social hub.
In recent years, Ferran Street has changed dramatically: the pandemic and the decline in tourism led to the closure of many traditional shops, replaced by fast-food outlets and souvenir stores. Against this backdrop, the revival of Sant Jordi is seen as a breath of fresh air and a sign of hope for preserving the historic identity of the city center.
For regulars and newcomers alike
The renovated Sant Jordi welcomes not only its loyal customers but also anyone interested in culture, literature, and gastronomy. The store is open from five to nine in the evening, and there are plans to expand the event schedule in the future. The owner emphasizes that the main goal is to restore a cozy and friendly atmosphere to Carrer Ferran, making the bookstore a hub for both neighbors and visitors to the city.
The restaurant menu features simple yet high-quality dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. Prices are expected to be affordable, so everyone can enjoy not only buying a book but also having a bite to eat in good company. In the coming weeks, Sant Jordi will host its first literary evenings and author meet-and-greets, as well as themed dinners for book lovers.
If you didn’t know, the Sant Jordi bookstore has been operating in Barcelona since 1981 and has become one of the symbols of Carrer Ferran. The store specializes in books on art, photography, design, as well as philosophy and literature. After the founder Josep Morales passed away, the store was on the verge of closing, but thanks to the support of locals and a new manager, the project was given a second life. Today, Sant Jordi is not just a bookstore, but also a gastronomic and cultural space open to everyone.
