The Pérgamo bookstore, considered the oldest in Madrid and located at 24 General Oráa Street, will close its doors on November 17. After nearly eight decades in business, the store in the Salamanca neighborhood can no longer afford the rent.
As the bookstore’s manager, Pablo Cerezo, revealed on Cadena SER, the current owners of Pérgamo began negotiating the lease terms in mid-August, but have been unable to reach an agreement that would allow them to remain in the space.
A historic bookstore seeks a new home
Pérgamo opened its doors in the mid-1940s and even sold banned books during the dictatorship. In 2022, after the heirs to the family business announced their retirement, the bookstore managed to reopen under new management.
Now, four years later, it faces closure once again. Pablo Cerezo explained in an interview on Cadena SER that they will look for another, more affordable location to keep the project alive.
Another closure following Tipos Infames
The news comes months after the closure of other iconic bookstores in downtown Madrid, such as Tipos Infames in Malasaña and Lata Peinada, located just a few meters from Tipos Infames. The bookstore, which specialized in independent fiction, closed its doors in February 2026 after 15 years in business, also due to rising operating costs.