Historic Café in Italy, Open Since 1760, A Gathering Spot for Artists Like Goethe, Liszt, and Schopenhauer (Oldest Bar in the City!)
Antico Caffè Greco: A Timeless Symbol of Rome's Literary and Cultural Heritage
Nestled in the heart of Rome, Antico Caffè Greco has stood the test of time as one of the oldest cafés in the city and Italy, serving as a cultural and literary salon since the 18th century. Established in 1760 by Greek immigrant Nicola della Maddalena, this historic establishment has been a gathering place for some of the most prominent literary and intellectual figures of its time [1][2][4].
Antico Caffè Greco, like the Deux Magots or Café de Flore in Paris, has earned its place among the most iconic literary cafés of its time. It has welcomed a diverse array of illustrious clients such as Mark Twain, Friedrich Nietzsche, Stendhal, Keats, Byron, Thorvaldsen, Gogol, Wagner, Freud, Orson Welles, Pasolini, and Sartre [3].
Beyond its function as a café, Antico Caffè Greco is renowned for its extensive art collection. The café houses over 300 works of art, making it the world's largest private gallery open to the public [4]. Renaissance-style oil paintings adorn the walls, preserving the atmosphere of the Grand Tour era. This artistic heritage, combined with its red velvet furnishings, contributes to its identity as more than just a place to drink coffee but an intact historic salon reflecting the grandeur of Rome’s cultural past [4].
Antico Caffè Greco's historical significance lies in its longevity and role as a literary and cultural meeting place. In 1953, it was classified as a historical monument [5]. Lively discussions on art, music, and philosophy took place in the purple-hued salons of Antico Caffè Greco, with the red room and the omnibus room being particularly famous. Liszt, Gogol, and Casanova are among those who have gathered in the latter [3].
Today, visitors can enjoy coffee at Antico Caffè Greco for 2.50 € at the counter or 7 € at one of the tables [2]. The café's original furniture, including marble tables, antique woodwork, gilded mirrors, and velvet chairs, dates back to 1869 [2]. If you're planning a trip, remember that Italy can be explored by booking a flight, and Rome, where Antico Caffè Greco is located, can be visited and discovered. The café's official website is antoocaffegreco.eu [2].
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antico_Caffè_Greco [2] https://www.antococaffegreco.eu/ [3] https://www.romeartlover.it/antico-caffe-greco/ [4] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/mar/03/antico-caffe-greco-romes-oldest-caf%C3%A9 [5] https://www.roma.it/portale/cultura/musei/museo-antico-caffe-greco/
- In-flights to Rome offer the opportunity to experience the historical charm of Antico Caffè Greco, a timeless symbol of Rome's literary and cultural heritage.
- After exploring Rome's home-and-garden sites, visitors can unwind at Antico Caffè Greco, where fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts can admire the café's 1869 original furniture.
- While enjoying food-and-drink at Antico Caffè Greco, guests can immerse themselves in the café's rich atmosphere of intellectual discourse reminiscent of the Grand Tour era, a fitting testament to the lifestyle of its illustrious patrons.
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