I could not miss the opportunity to visit this legendary place on my last visit to Rome! I learned about Antico Caffè Greco just when I was in Rome. I went there twice, once in the evening to enjoy a shot of espresso at the bar and a little “dolce” with my cousin Kasia, and the next day with my parents.
We sat down at the table and the atmosphere was like nothing else, very simple place but with so much history and art inside, it was packed with people who wanted to enjoy this special place.
I have to tell you that it was the most cappuccino I have ever had, €14! Croissant was “only” €6. I still think it is very much worth it! An interesting fact is that in 2017 the owner of the building increased rent from €17,000 a month to €120,000 a month!
Don’t miss this place on your trip to Rome!
Address: Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
List of famous Polish artists who visited Antico Caffè Greco
History of Caffè Greco, Rome
Antico Caffè Greco is one of the most iconic and historically significant coffeehouses in Rome, Italy. Established in 1760 by a Greek expatriate, Nicola della Maddalena, it holds the distinction of being the oldest coffeehouse in Rome and one of the oldest in Italy, second only to Caffè Florian in Venice.
Origins and Early Years
Caffè Greco was founded in the heart of Rome on Via dei Condotti, a street renowned for its proximity to the Spanish Steps and the Piazza di Spagna. Its name pays homage to the founder’s Greek heritage, reflecting a cosmopolitan spirit that has characterized the establishment throughout its history.
The 18th century was a time when coffeehouses in Europe became intellectual hubs, and Caffè Greco quickly established itself as a center for discussion, creativity, and debate. Its strategic location near the Spanish Steps and its refined ambiance attracted a clientele of writers, artists, philosophers, and politicians.
A Hub of Culture and Creativity
Over the centuries, Caffè Greco became synonymous with the Grand Tour—a rite of passage for European intellectuals and aristocrats who traveled through Italy to immerse themselves in classical art, history, and culture. The café’s opulent interior, adorned with 19th-century artworks, mirrors, and red velvet upholstery, provided the perfect setting for such elite gatherings.
The café became a second home for numerous luminaries. Visitors included Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Lord Byron, John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Stendhal, Hans Christian Andersen, and Richard Wagner. Goethe’s visit in the late 18th century is commemorated with a room named in his honor, highlighting the café’s enduring association with artistic and literary greatness.
The 19th and 20th Centuries
In the 19th century, Caffè Greco continued to flourish as a meeting place for Italian patriots during the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. Artists of the Roman School and international expatriates living in Rome often convened here to exchange ideas.
By the 20th century, Caffè Greco had cemented its place as a historic institution. Despite changes in ownership, the café preserved its distinct character, maintaining its antique furnishings and timeless charm. Writers such as Gabriele D’Annunzio and Alberto Moravia, as well as filmmakers like Federico Fellini, frequented the café, ensuring its legacy as a cultural and intellectual landmark.
Present Day
Today, Caffè Greco remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. It serves as a living museum, where patrons can sip espresso in the same rooms once occupied by some of history’s greatest minds. While the café’s prices reflect its status as a historical icon, its enduring popularity proves its appeal transcends time.
In recent years, concerns about the preservation of Caffè Greco have surfaced, as commercial pressures threaten its historical integrity. However, it continues to stand as a symbol of Rome’s rich cultural heritage and the timeless allure of its coffee culture. Visitors to Rome who seek a connection to its illustrious past find Caffè Greco a must-see destination.
Whether you come for the coffee, the ambiance, or the sense of history, Caffè Greco remains a testament to the enduring power of art, conversation, and the simple pleasure of a cup of coffee.
