Category: Culture and Entertainment > Art Gallery
District: Leiria > Óbidos > Casais Brancos > Urbanização de Santa Iria
Located in Casais Brancos, a serene village near Óbidos, O Bichinho de Conto is housed in a former primary school building. Positioned atop a hillside, the site offers a tranquil and secluded environment. From this elevated vantage point, one can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding rural landscape and, from certain angles, catch a glimpse of the sea and Óbidos Castle.
O Bichinho de Conto was founded in 2002 with the intention of being a space dedicated to reading and illustration. Initially in Lisbon, the project moved to Casais Brancos seeking an environment that would allow a closer relationship with nature and tranquility, reflecting a particular vision on the importance of literature in people's lives. The choice of a former primary school as its home reinforces the connection with education and development.
Inside the former school, O Bichinho de Conto presents itself as a peculiar bookstore, with a selection focused on illustrated books and children's literature, although it also offers titles for adult readers. The organization of the books and the decoration of the space were designed to create an engaging atmosphere, where every nook invites discovery. Illustration holds a prominent place, celebrated not only in the books but also through exhibitions and other initiatives.
Visiting O Bichinho de Conto means entering a place that invites you to slow down. The atmosphere, both inside the old classroom and in the outdoor patio, is marked by serenity and integration with the rural landscape. It is a place where one can simply be, browse books calmly, or enjoy the silence and the surrounding view. The simplicity of the old school and the natural environment create a distinct experience.
More than just a bookstore, O Bichinho de Conto functions as a dynamic cultural center. The space regularly hosts various activities open to the public, such as temporary illustration exhibitions, author encounters, discussions about books and related topics, and other cultural proposals aimed at promoting engagement with reading and visual arts in a creative and participatory way.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3504842,-9.136438
Coordinates DMS: 39°21'1.7"N 09°08'11.2"W