The vintage places where coffee and desserts are served are places full of charm, history and delights for the palate. Here are some of the finest
A small table, a cup and a newspaper to leaf through. Crystal chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors and light marble shelves. In the era of mobile phones and constant connection, there are still free zones where it is possible to breathe different air: these are the historic cafés, the last urban lounges where you can stop for an elegant and tasty break. Perhaps in the footsteps of the great figures of literature, art and music who frequented them in a more or less remote past. In Italy they are numerous, and represent an important piece for learning about the history, customs and culture of our cities.
Caffè Al Bicerin since 1763 in Turin
A true city institution, it is a place where time seems to have stopped. The round tables, the soft lights, the perfectly preserved historic furnishings hark back to a distant era. To this legendary venue opened in 1763 from Joseph Dentis we owe the invention of bicerin, specialty that has become one of the symbols of the Savoy city. The prized drink based on dark chocolate, coffee and milk cream owes its name to the small glasses without handles, the bicerin precisely, where it is served. Quoted from Umberto Echo and loved by Turin residents and tourists, the Coffee At Bicerin is located in the suggestive Square from the Consolata and it is a magical place, especially on long winter evenings.
Caffè Florian in Venice
The legendary Florian is located in Square San Mark and it is the oldest Italian coffee shop. Opened in 1720it was originally called At the Venice Triumphant; soon, however, the Venetians renamed it with the name of its founder, Floriano Francesconi. Today the restaurant preserves the charm of the magnificent eighteenth century of the Serenissima intact, completed by an elegant, impeccable service, truly from another era. And by the little orchestra, which cheers up the guests on the terrace overlooking the bell tower of San Mark. The refined preciousness of the rooms, decorated with frescoes, velvets and mirrors make the Florian a place with few comparisons in Europe.
Caffè Pedrocchi in Padua
Open from 1831is a symbol of the city and one of the most renowned historic venues inItaly. Founded by the Bergamo native Anthony Pedrocchi and designed by the Venetian Joseph Jappellipreserves the period furnishings and offers a high-class café and pastry shop. It is a place rich in historical and literary memories, dear to Stendhal than in the novel The Charterhouse of Parma sings its praises. The main floor houses the Museum of the Risorgimento and the Contemporary Age.
Caffè degli Specchi in Trieste
In a city rightly famous for its historic cafés, the Coffee of Mirrors stands out for its unmistakable style. Located in the splendid Unity of Italy Squarethis famous venue founded in 1839 from Greek Nicolò Priovolo it preserves the ancient atmosphere of the Habsburg era. Historical point of reference for intellectuals and irredentists, it is worth mentioning among its illustrious visitors Italian Swabian And James Joyce. Today the Coffee of the Mirrors continues to offer customers the opportunity to appreciate fine coffee blends and high-class pastries, sheltered from the cold gusts of the Trieste bora.
Caffè Gilli in Florence
In the very lively Republic Square stands this famous café, the oldest in the city. The first location dates back to 1733and it was in via dei Calzaiuoli; from the 1893 is located in its current location. The rooms of Gilli coffee they were a place of choice for the futurists: it was not uncommon to see Thomas Marinetti And Ardengo Soft, Umberto Boccioni And Carlo Carra sitting at his tables, busy discussing how to change art and the world. Today, Florentines and tourists crowd the large outdoor area for a break with coffee and ricciarelli. In the room the walnut counter, the ancient Swiss clock (like the origins of the family) stand out Gilli) and the ivory-colored walls, which give the room a rare elegance.
Caffè dell’Ussero in Pisa
Housed in the prestigious Building Augustines of the 15th century, this room overlooking the Lungarno Pacinotti boasts the title of the third oldest coffee in Italy. Founded in 1775 from Cosimo Augustines Venerosi, in principle was called Gallery Café. Linked to glorious memories of the Risorgimento, today the Caffè dell’Ussero It displays stylish furnishings and period memorabilia with sober discretion. On the walls, portraits of the illustrious patriots who were regular guests of its tables in the 19th century. It is always worth sipping a coffee in the dimly lit room, perhaps immediately after sunset, when the sky becomes dark and theArno shines in the light of the street lamps.
Sandri pastry shop in Perugia
Located in the heart of the Umbrian capital, it is a real city institution. It is located in Course Vannuccithe unmissable walk of the Perugians; offers quality pastry shops and cafés among period furniture and frescoed vaults. Founded in 1860 from Swiss Jacob Schucanioffers the possibility of a refined stop in the heart of the beautiful city of Grifo.
Caffè Meletti in Ascoli Piceno
This historic venue has been open since 1907 on the scenographic Square of Peopleamong the most beautiful inItaly and monumental heart of the Piceno capital. Founded by the family Melettiproducer of the famous Anisette Melettiis the most famous café in the city. Some famous people from the world of music, such as the composer, have stopped at its tables, among others Peter Mascagni and the tenors Benjamin Lilies And Mario of Monk.
Antico Caffè Spinnato in Palermo
Founded in 1860 from Savior Spinnedis the most elegant café in Palermo. The dark wooden furnishings and old paintings on the walls give the rooms an unmistakable atmosphere, and between a coffee and an almond cake time passes slowly and carefree. Just like it used to be.
