European Commission’s Historical Cafes Route
With the popularity of coffee culture from the 18th century to the 20th century, cafes began to spread in Europe. After a while, these cafes ceased to be places where people socialized and exchanged information and became cultural environments. These cafes, which have existed for many years and witnessed history, have also become an important element of the urban heritage that needs to be protected. In order to protect this heritage, the Historical Cafes Route, which was approved and certified by the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Program in 2022, was created. This route consists of cafes that continue to exist in Europe and have witnessed the historical, political, cultural and social changes of humanity. We have compiled some of the historical cafes included in the European Commission’s Historical Cafes Route, which contribute to intercultural communication and transfer artistic and architectural movements to the present day.
A Place Frequented by Artists: Café Kipos
Located in the city of Chania on the Greek island of Crete and founded in 1870, Café Kipos was once a place frequented by artists and intellectuals. In the past, the café hosted cultural events such as music nights and book presentations and continues to host such events today.
Inside the café, there is also a photography exhibition reflecting its 150-year history. Standing out as the only historical café in Greece, Café Kipos is an important venue that inspired the establishment of the European Historical Cafés Association.
One of the Oldest Cafes in Paris: Les Deux Magots
The cafe, founded in 1812 in Paris, France, takes its name from a souvenir shop that once stood in the same location. The name of this cafe, which means “two Chinese statuettes,” contains two statues that add color to its atmosphere.
This historical cafe also has an important cultural, artistic and literary influence on Paris. Regularly visited by important poets such as Rimbaud, Verlaine and Mallarmé, this venue also frequently hosted surrealists and existentialists. Today, Les Deux Magots continues to host important names in the worlds of art, literature, fashion and politics, as well as tourists.
In the Footsteps of Mozart and Beethoven: Café Frauenhuber
The establishment of this historical café, known as the oldest café in Vienna, dates back to 1824. Café Frauenhuber also has a special importance as a venue that brought together the unforgettable compositions of two important names, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven with its listeners. This traditional café, which is the center of attention of local and foreign visitors, is among the places that anyone who passes through Vienna should see.
The Symbol of Lisbon: Café Nicola
Established in 1929, Café Nicola is like a symbol of Lisbon’s history. This café was one of the places frequented by the intellectual elite and the poet Bocage, whose statue is currently located inside the café.
In addition to all these, Café Nicola draws attention with its inspiring architectural details. This café, which is also used as a restaurant today, offers its visitors a feast of classical and jazz music.
Meeting Point of Political Classes: Caffè Gelateria Fiorio
This historical café, famous as a hangout for Nietzsche, is located in Turin, Italy. Founded in 1780, Caffè Gelateria Fiorio was an important meeting point for artists and intellectuals. Initially hosting aristocrats and high-ranking officials, the café eventually became a place frequently visited by revolutionaries and patriots.
A Cafe That Has Been the Subject of Books: Café Conditori La Glace
You can find its name in many books, Café Conditori La Glace, which is the oldest café in Denmark. Opened in 1870, the café was frequently preferred by art lovers and literature lovers in particular. Located in the middle of old Copenhagen, Café Conditori La Glace continues to gain the appreciation of visitors today with its quality service approach, which it has been providing for six generations.
A Magnificent Example of Architecture: Café Slavia
Established in Prague in 1844, this historic café is one of the most notable venues with its magnificent architecture and Art Nouveau chandeliers. Located on the same street as the Prague National Theatre, this venue has been a meeting place for actors, writers, directors and composers since the day it opened. In addition, in the 1900s, Slavia became the center of Czech culture.
Center of Art, Literature and Culture: Café Casino
This café, famous for its wooden decoration that has survived to this day, was founded in Santiago De Compostela in 1873. Café Casino, which has become a popular place for the bourgeoisie and aristocrats since the day it launched, also hosted various cultural events during its time.
The café, which became famous for events where Galician dances were performed, is almost one of the first places that come to mind when Spain is mentioned. Various literary and artistic events continue to be organized at Café Casino today.
Art Nouveau Inspirations: Caffè Meletti
Opened in 1907 in Ascoli Piceno, this historical café is one of the places that reflects the Art Nouveau style in the best way possible. When you visit Caffè Meletti, you can feel like you are in a movie. It is said that Mascagni started writing the opera Lodoletta here and it has hosted important names such as Badoglio, Sartre Hemingway and Stuparich during its time.
Declared a Historical and Artistic Interest Area by the Ministry of Culture and Environmental Heritage in 1981, this place floats right in the middle of the city with its magnificent architecture that integrates with the city.
In the Heart of Istanbul: Pera Palace Hotel
Located right in the heart of Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel stands out as the hotel of firsts with its phenomenal architecture and magnificent history. Thanks to the values it carries from the past to the present, it takes you on a journey through time the moment you step inside its door.
Pera Palace Hotel is also known for being preferred as a place to stay by important statesmen, artists, actors, writers and directors who travel to Istanbul. This special structure, which names its rooms after famous visitors and carries traces of history in every detail, continues to fascinate its visitors with its high ceilings and magnificent decorative ornaments since the day it started service.
In addition to all these beauties, Pera Palace Hotel, which represents Turkey in the Historical Cafes Route of the European Commission, adds value to its valuable existence every day. You can also visit Pera Palace Hotel, the most iconic hotel in Istanbul and have an unforgettable experience with your loved ones.
