Venues that have made history, visited by artists, politicians and intellectuals
Sweet specialties, but also original furniture, vintage pieces and elegant atmospheres: historic cafés are places that have remained untouched by time, founded in the 17th century all over Italy in the wake of the English coffeehouses. Witnesses of artistic avant-gardes, literary and lively political movements, they were crucially important in Italian history and were frequented by illustrious personalities. Let's take a look at 4 cafés where you can still experience a magical atmosphere of yesteryear.
Contents
1.
Caffè dell’Ussero in Pisa
2.
Caffè Poliziano in Montepulciano
3.
Caffè Gilli in Florence
4.
Caffè Fiaschetteria Italiana in Montalcino
1.
Caffè dell’Ussero in Pisa
The Caffè dell'Ussero was founded in 1775 in Pisa and is the third oldest café in Italy. It is located in one of the most beautiful buildings along the Pisan Arno, Palazzo Agostini, and, between the late 18th and mid-19th century, it was one of the places where Italian Enlightenment and Risorgimento ideas began. Over time, the Café was given various names such as Caffè dell'Unione (Union Café), because it hosted the meetings of the first Italian Congress of Scientists in 1839: still today, on its walls, it is possible to relive the memories of its illustrious patrons, such as the poet Giosuè Carducci or Giuseppe Mazzini.
1.
Caffè Poliziano in Montepulciano
Caffè Poliziano
Charming venue, thanks to its Art Nouveau style, Caffè Poliziano in Montepulciano is located exactly in the heart of this enchanting Renaissance village. The exterior sign, ceilings, stuccoes, large glass walls, doors and windows are still original and preserve their old charm, also due to a meticulous restoration at the beginning of the 20th century. An unmissable destination for many tourists, over time it has enchanted personalities such as Pirandello and Fellini.
Art Nouveau style, frescoed ceilings, wood paneling, arches and a majestic counter welcome customers to the historic Caffè Gilli in Florence. Located a stone's throw away from the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, it is the oldest café in Florence; it was, in fact, opened in 1733 under the name Bottega dei Pani dolci (Bottega of sweet breads) in the prestigious Via dei Calzaiuoli. It was in 1917 when Gilli moved to Piazza della Repubblica, where it still stands today. Over the years, it has been the elegant café of painters, such as Ardengo Soffici, writers, such as Marinetti and many other artists.
1.
Caffè Fiaschetteria Italiana in Montalcino
A true Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Caffè Fiaschetteria Italiana is located at the heart of Montalcino and was established by Ferruccio Biondi Santi, the father of Brunello.
An enological and cultural hub for local producers and a destination for tourists from all over the world, it is a place that has remained unchanged over time: the counter, shop windows, red velvet sofas, mirrors and yellow marble tables are the same as they were at the end of the 19th century.
