Caff¨ Greco Sealed as Historic Rome Caf© Closes After Legal Dispute

Rome: The Antico Caff¨ Greco, an iconic establishment located on Via Condotti near the Spanish Steps, has been sealed by police following a prolonged legal battle. The keys to the historic caf© have been returned to its rightful owners, the Israelite Hospital.

According to Ansa News Agency, the closure followed the seizure of 300 works, including paintings, sculptures, and valuable antiques. The prosecution had argued that these objects were removed from their original location, violating the stipulation that they remain within the historic building. This action led to an investigation that added to the extensive legal proceedings concerning the caf©.

The dispute between the caf©’s operators and the property owners began in 2017, when the lease expired. The Israelite Hospital asserted its right to reclaim the premises, leading to a legal battle. The supreme Court of Cassation eventually upheld the lease termination, and after several delays, the eviction was executed.

Caff¨ Greco, a symbol of 18th-century caf©s, was a renowned gathering place for artists and intellectuals, hosting patrons like Charles Baudelaire, Antonio Canova, James Joyce, Gioacchino Rossini, Sophia Loren, Renato Guttuso, and Federico Fellini. It is one of Italy’s oldest caf©s, alongside Venice’s Florian.

Despite the closure, the owners plan to revive the caf©. Francesco Leozappa, the extraordinary commissioner of the Israelite Hospital, stated, “The absolute priority will be to reopen Caff¨ Greco.” He emphasized that work will commence swiftly to implement the bankruptcy plan and restore the venue.