Barcelona’s Sant Jordi Bookstore Faces Closure Amid Public Outcry

The Sant Jordi bookstore on Ferran Street in Barcelona has become a symbol of the fight to preserve the city’s cultural identity in the face of relentless gentrification. Following the death of its owner, Josep Morales Monroig, on December 10, at the age of 58, the iconic bookstore faces an uncertain future as its rental contract is set to expire in February.

Nestled among souvenir shops, 24-hour convenience stores, and fast-food chains, Sant Jordi has stood as a quiet refuge for lovers of art, literature, philosophy, and design. The bookstore, with its charming 19th-century furnishings, has drawn attention from Barcelona’s residents, who have turned out in droves to save it. Since word spread on social media about Morales’ passing and the precarious situation of the shop, hundreds of Barcelonans have queued outside the bookstore to buy books and express their solidarity.

A Community Rallies for Sant Jordi

Cristina Riera, Morales’ widow, has been overwhelmed by the public’s response. “People are showing us their affection, their solidarity, and their love for the bookstore,” she said. “Citizens have come running to support us and to show their desire for Sant Jordi to continue.” According to Riera, the outpouring of support began when friends visited the bookstore last Sunday and created gift packages. From there, the news went viral, bringing an influx of customers eager to help.

“We need to sell as many books as possible,” Riera explained. “If the bookstore does end up closing, we don’t want to face an even bigger financial burden.” However, her ultimate wish is for Sant Jordi to remain on Ferran Street, though she admits she cannot sustain the business alone. The premises are up for rent, and in 2014, the property owners proposed increasing the monthly rent from €800 to €8,000. While the City Council offered an alternative location on Robadors Street at the time, the pandemic and Morales’ illness stalled any move.

The Fight Against Gentrification

For decades, Sant Jordi and the Fine Arts space have been two of the few remaining authentic cultural landmarks on Ferran Street. Today, the bookstore serves as a rallying point for those opposing the commercialization of Barcelona’s historic neighborhoods. “It’s unfeasible to pay €8,000 in rent,” Riera lamented. “We will fight to keep it here.”

The outpouring of support has turned this week into what Riera calls a “continuous Sant Jordi day,” a reference to Catalonia’s beloved book-and-rose holiday. The bookstore has extended its hours to manage the surge in demand. “It’s the most beautiful tribute that could be given to Josep,” she said. Inside, the bookstore remains a warm, intimate space, described by Riera as “one of those places the city truly needs.”

Plan B and the Push to Stay

Though moving to Robadors Street remains a possible Plan B, Riera insists that keeping the bookstore on Ferran Street would be the ultimate tribute to Morales’ legacy. “We need the support of our customers to preserve Sant Jordi and ensure someone can continue the business,” she said.

The queues outside show no sign of stopping. “We’re here to support the bookstore because, if not, this city will end up with nothing but supermarkets and Starbucks,” said Ana, a local resident waiting in line for more than 15 minutes. Inside, Riera has even uncovered rare books that her late husband had kept stored away for years.

A Symbol of Resistance

Sant Jordi, founded in 1983 by Morales’ father, has become a powerful emblem of resistance against the forces of gentrification and the erosion of neighborhood identity. The situation has drawn the attention of city officials, including Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, who visited the bookstore on Wednesday to show his concern. He purchased an old catalog from the Parés Gallery, stating, “Josep would be moved by this Christmas story unfolding in his bookstore.”

As the fight to save Sant Jordi continues, the bookstore’s future hangs in the balance. For many Barcelonans, its survival represents more than just the preservation of a business—it’s a stand against losing the soul of their city.