San Carlo Coffee

Caffè San Carlo, located in the central Piazza San Carlo in Turin, is one of the city’s most emblematic historic cafes. Inaugurated in 1822, originally named Caffè di Piazza d’Armi, it soon became a reference point for intellectuals, patriots, and artists, gaining a reputation as a subversive venue frequented by the reformists of the Risorgimento. The history of Caffè San Carlo is closely linked to the political and social changes that have affected Turin and Italy. In 1832, it was the first venue in Europe to be illuminated with gas lamps, marking an important step forward in urban modernization. This innovative café not only provided a refuge for intellectual discussions but also played a significant role in the patriotic movements of the time. The presence of figures such as Giovanni Giolitti, Antonio Gramsci, and Luigi Einaudi attests to its importance as a center of thought and political debate. In 1837, architect Leoni led a renovation that enriched the café with elaborate decorations, including golden stuccoes, mirrors, and a sumptuous crystal chandelier. The pictorial decorations of the central hall were completed by Rodolfo Morgari and del Borra between 1839 and 1840, contributing to creating an atmosphere of refined elegance that still characterizes the venue today. During the 19th century, Caffè San Carlo became a meeting place for the Scapigliatura, an artistic and literary movement that rejected bourgeois conventions. Among the illustrious patrons of the café were Alexandre Dumas, the younger, and Admiral Luigi Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta, Duke of the Abruzzi, who planned his expedition to Antarctica here in 1899. The 20th century saw Caffè San Carlo continue to be a reference point for many prominent figures, including Benedetto Croce and Edmondo De Amicis. Unfortunately, during World War II, the building suffered severe damage and remained closed from 1953 to 1963 for restoration works that brought to light original frescoes and stuccoes. In 2021, under the management of the Costardi Bros, the café underwent further conservation restoration, with the opening of a new dining space. Today, Caffè San Carlo is not only a place for meeting and sharing, but also a refined restaurant offering traditional Piedmontese dishes and a selection of fine coffees. The presence of a large central counter, in harmony with the elegant surrounding decoration, emphasizes the historical beauty of the place, while the modern and innovative menu attracts a diverse clientele.