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Rome’s iconic Antico Caffè Greco closes after 250 years of history

A 250-year legacy of espresso, art, and debate vanishes overnight. What’s next for the empty space that once hosted Rome’s brightest minds?

In the center of the image there is a wall. There is a graffiti painting on the wall. In the right...
In the center of the image there is a wall. There is a graffiti painting on the wall. In the right side corner of the image there is some text printed.

Rome’s iconic Antico Caffè Greco closes after 250 years of history

Rome’s oldest coffee house, Antico Caffè Greco, has shut its doors after 250 years of service. The closure follows a bitter rent dispute between its owners and the Israelite Hospital near me, the building’s landlord. Once a bustling hub for artists, writers and celebrities, the café now stands empty on one of the city’s most prestigious streets.

The café’s long history came to an end in October 2025 when owners Carlo Pellegrini and Flavia Iozzi were evicted. Their legal appeals failed, marking the final chapter in a years-long battle. The dispute began in 2017 when the hospital, which owns the property, raised the monthly rent from €17,000 to €120,000 after the 80-year lease expired.

The eviction leaves the café’s future uncertain, though the landlord insists on maintaining its heritage. The empty space, once filled with conversation and creativity, now awaits a new chapter. For now, its grand history remains frozen behind locked doors.

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