Coffee shops have a long and special tradition in Europe as a place where great minds would meet up to discuss art, politics, culture, and ideas. From these gatherings, works of art were born and political movements started. Of course, many of these venues have disappeared over time but those who vacation in Tuscany will discover that plenty of this region's historic and storied caffés (the Italian word for café) actually still exist and, often, have been changed very little in the intervening time. So, for those who love history and culture, who enjoy grand old spaces, who want to soak up the spirit of creativity and discovery, and who are after a great cup of coffee while they stay in one of our villas in Tuscany, here are some examples that you should make a point to visit!
Di Simo Caffè, Via Fillungo, 58, Lucca
One could easily walk past this little caffé entrance while on holiday in Lucca without realising the legacy that lies behind its doors but if it’s walls could talk, they would be more likely to sing. Here, in Puccini’s city, the great composer and his circle gathered at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. Remembered as a, “concert of friendships,” by a plaque outside the door, the caffé was formerly named Caselli after its owner, a grocer and great patron of the arts. Under Alfredo Caselli’s roof, the famous local son, Puccini, and a host of other musicians, composers, poets, artists, and more gathered to inspire each other. Temporarily closed at the moment, this fixture of the charming medieval town of Lucca continues to celebrate its unique legacy and often hosts Puccini events to this day, in a space that has changed very little since the great composer himself graced the business and that maintains picturesque Liberty-style furnishings.
Caffè Gilli, Via Roma, 1r, Florence
The oldest existing example of a caffè in Florence, Caffè Gilli, was founded in 1733 by the Gilli family from Switzerland. Having moved twice since its inception, it has been at its location in Piazza della Repubblica for over 120 years now and boasts grand and elegant interiors with original wood-panelling on the walls, glass cases full of incredible pastries and desserts, high ceilings with stucco work, glittering chandeliers, and marble-top tables. These incredible hallowed halls drew the city’s foremost intellectuals, thinkers, and journalists as well as artists such as Doni, Calignani, Pozzi, Polloni and Pucci. For those who book a holiday rental in Florence and are diving into the city’s impossibly rich history and cultural heritage, therefore, this is the perfect spot to stop off and refresh with a cup of coffee and gorgeous historic surroundings.
Caffè Poliziano, Via di Voltaia Nel Corso, 27/29, Montepulciano
Set within another of Tuscany’s prettiest medieval towns, Caffè Poliziano is a charmingly elegant Art-Nouveau gem located in the heart of the historic centre of town. Founded in 1868, it continues to be a major cultural core of the town and was an intellectual centre that drew the likes of poets such as Carducci, Pirandello, Prezzolini, and Malaparte. While many today come simply to enjoy the incredible offerings of delicious Tuscan delights to eat and drink, the magic interiors and the storied setting themselves are just as appealing and make it a must-see for any culture-vultures or history-lovers who are visiting town. If you are staying in a vacation rental in Montepulciano then maybe you can even become a regular for a little while!
Caffè dell’Ussero, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, 27, Pisa
Many come to Pisa, see her most famous and structurally dubious tourist attraction and leave the city shortly thereafter but there is so much more to see in this charming town. Particularly if you find a villa in Pisa itself and are spending more time in the area, then you should really delve deeper into her streets and see all that she has to offer. Among the museums, architectural gems, artistic wonders, and endless little places to eat and drink, there is the elegant little Caffè dell’Ussero. Dating all the way back to 1775, it has seen plenty of great minds and talents pass through its doors, particularly as students. Among these are the first Italian Nobel Prize laureate, Giosuè Carducci; the surgeon, merchant and thinker who befriended Thomas Jefferson through business and is said to have inspired the great doctrine, “All men are created equal”, Filippo Mazzei; and many others. Be sure to stop by and take inspiration from its hallowed halls and little bistro tables.
So, if you have found a villa with pool in Tuscany and you are heading off on day-trips to see the pretty villages, incredible historic towns, and elegant cities of the region, be sure to pencil in some stops at her most beautiful and historic caffès for refreshments. For those really looking to dive into the culture of this remarkable part of the world, to experience the heritage, and to get some proper inspiration, these storied and beautifully-preserved spaces where history and art were made are an incredible resource.
