Florence, as an important art and design centre of the world and the famous birthplace of the Renaissance, is a destination that has long attracted some of the most renowned and important artists throughout history. If you, too, have found a luxury villa in Florence, and are spending time in the city, you may want to follow in the footsteps of some of these greats to, perhaps, soak up some of their inspiration and genius. A great way to do this is to grab coffee or a drink or a bite to eat in one of the city's famous and iconic coffee houses in which great minds used to (and often continue to) convene. One such example of this kind of hallowed venue is the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski in the city's famous Piazza della Repubblica in the historic core of Florence.
Declared a National Monument in 1991, the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski was an important literary café that attracted key Italian writers and thinkers such D’Annunzio, Soffici, Papini, Montale, Saba, and Pratolini at the beginning of the 20th century. A lovely and centrally-located place to take a rest and grab a coffee while exploring the historic streets and endless sights of Florence, it continues to be a hub of culture to this day and hosts live music regularly as well as special events such as conferences, fashion shows, literary evenings and more.
Declared a National Monument in 1991, the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski was an important literary café that attracted key Italian writers and thinkers such D’Annunzio, Soffici, Papini, Montale, Saba, and Pratolini at the beginning of the 20th century. A lovely and centrally-located place to take a rest and grab a coffee while exploring the historic streets and endless sights of Florence, it continues to be a hub of culture to this day and hosts live music regularly as well as special events such as conferences, fashion shows, literary evenings and more.
Originally opened as a Polish brewery in 1846 in what was then the Jewish ghetto of the city, the business transformed as the area was redeveloped and found itself at an address that was suddenly very fashionable and desirable. Purchased in 1903 by the company Carlo Paszkowski & C., who were pioneers of the beer industry in Italy, the venue became a brewery and restaurant or café. From 1911 onwards, the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski was run based on a, “Caffè Concerto,” (Coffee Concert) business model that brilliantly combined refreshments and musical entertainments to the delight of Florentines looking for a fun night out on the town. This led to international fame and recognition for the café with its all-female orchestra, a rarity at the time, garnering particular attention and praise. The elegant and timeless early 20th-century interiors that characterised this romantic period in history thankfully remain intact and make the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski an especially beautiful and attractive place to enjoy refreshments in Florence to this day.
As noted, from the early 20th century the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski began to attract key Italian writers and intellectuals and acted as an important literary café. It became one of the many hubs of creativity in the city in this period. After the Golden Age of Florentine literature, this importance waned but the café continued to act as a popular music venue where people could enjoy both performances and food and drinks with the musical character of the business decisively turning towards cabaret after WWII. While cabaret in no longer necessarily on the cards today, Caffè Concerto Paszkowski continues with this musical heritage to the present day and live music is commonplace so that contemporary Florentines and visitors, too, can enjoy the influential Caffè Concerto experience.
As noted, from the early 20th century the Caffè Concerto Paszkowski began to attract key Italian writers and intellectuals and acted as an important literary café. It became one of the many hubs of creativity in the city in this period. After the Golden Age of Florentine literature, this importance waned but the café continued to act as a popular music venue where people could enjoy both performances and food and drinks with the musical character of the business decisively turning towards cabaret after WWII. While cabaret in no longer necessarily on the cards today, Caffè Concerto Paszkowski continues with this musical heritage to the present day and live music is commonplace so that contemporary Florentines and visitors, too, can enjoy the influential Caffè Concerto experience.
So, if you're interested in travelling back through time, want to brush up against the greatness of some of Italy's most important writers throughout history, and love live music, then this is a wonderful café to visit while on holiday in Florence. In addition to the pretty surroundings and fascinating cultural heritage of the place, you'll also find glittering glass cases stuffed with delicious little cakes, pastries, and handmade chocolates, menus with full meals, snacks, and more, great coffee, and a wonderful selection of beers, wine, and amazing cocktails prepared by the in-house bartenders. With yummy options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, or just a quick snack for refuelling while exploring the city you'll have endless options!
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski
Piazza della Repubblica, 6 - 50123 Firenze
+39 055 210236
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski
Piazza della Repubblica, 6 - 50123 Firenze
+39 055 210236