The museums and impressive architectural gems for which Florence is so well-known may have long and fascinating histories but some of the shops, markets, and eateries also have impressive legacies. Caffè Gilli is a perfect example of this: a truly stunning café with over two centuries of history and an important location in which cultural events have long been taking place. For those who love coffee and pastries and beautiful surroundings, it is the ideal spot to take a break from running around to see all that the city has to offer and to soak up the true wonder of your surroundings if you have been thining of booking a vacation rental in Florence and spending time in the city.
In fact the oldest café in Florence, the Caffè Gilli is the picture of elegance – exactly the sort of spot one might imagine themselves in when picturing a holiday in Florence. With gorgeous old original wood-panelling on the walls, high ceilings with glittering chandeliers descending from them, little tables with marble tops, glass cases full of the most incredible desserts, and gorgeous stucco work, this picture-perfect gem was opened in 1733 by the Gilli family from Switzerland.
Quickly becoming favoured by the local Florentine aristocracy, it is now a main-stay of the city and a must for tourists. Of course, this means that it can be quite busy and that prices reflect the elegance of the surroundings and the demand but it is well worth grabbing breakfast here some morning during your stay in one of our holiday rentals in Florence or coming in to hide from the hottest part of the day or sitting out with the crowds for a spritz in the later afternoon – whatever suits you best! Just make sure to drop by and marvel at this gorgeous old testament to Tuscany of the past.
