Contentious Disputes Surrounding Iconic Coffee Establishment

Historic Coffeehouse in Rome Sparks Debate Among City Officials

The Antico Caffè Greco, a historic café located near the Spanish Steps and Via dei Condotti, is currently embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with the Israelite Hospital of Rome. This iconic establishment, often referred to as "the place where one can sit and wait for the end of the world," has been a hub of ideas since 1760, and has been visited by notable figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Giacomo Casanova, Franz Liszt, and Nikolai Gogol.

The crux of the dispute revolves around the café's monthly rent, which has reportedly increased from 22,000 to 120,000 euros. The Israelite Hospital of Rome, the property's owner, is seeking a market-based rent to fund public healthcare. However, the current operators, Carlo Pellegrini and Flavia Iozzi, are unable to meet this new financial obligation and must give up the business.

The Israelite Hospital of Rome is seeking new operators to continue the Antico Caffè Greco in its original character. In the meantime, the café has been closed, and numerous pieces of furniture and artworks from the café were found to be stored in two garages. The operators claim they temporarily stored the items due to problems with the electricity and that they are the rightful owners of the items, but so far, no proof of ownership has been provided.

The eviction of the Antico Caffè Greco has been repeatedly postponed, but the operators have lost appeals in all instances. In early August, Carabinieri from the cultural heritage authority inspected the rooms of the Antico Caffè Greco. The state legal office has intervened, setting the eviction for September 1st, citing the café's historical value and hoping for a solution.

The officers filed a complaint against the operators for the removal of items from the café. The future preservation of the spirit of the Antico Caffè Greco's rooms is uncertain in the event of a change of operator or location. The legal dispute over the Antico Caffè Greco is likely to be lengthy, and the iconic café seems to be waiting for its own end.

Despite recent criticism and the ongoing legal dispute, the Antico Caffè Greco remains a symbol in Rome. Declared an inseparable unit in 1953 and 2024, the building and furnishings of the Antico Caffè Greco are intrinsically linked, and efforts are being made to ensure its preservation for future generations. The Antico Caffè Greco, the allegedly oldest café in Rome, continues to hold a significant place in the city's history and culture.