Caffe Florio, Turin

Caffe Florio was founded in 1780, but only became really successful in the early 1800s when it was taken over by the Florio brothers. This cafe saw a whole host of political personalities pass through it during the Risorgimento, right at the time when Italy's future was being determined in Turin. It was called 'The cafe of the pony tails and the Machiavellians' because it was the meeting point of may aristocrats, officials and members of the government. Among these was Giovanni Prati, Cesare Balbo and Santorre si Santarosa. Together they made the Florio into the breeding ground for public opinion in Turin. This is why it is said that the king Charles Albert used to enquire about the latest news asking, 'Qu'est-ce qu'on dit aujourd'hui au Cafe Florio?' In 1845, the Cafe was refurbished by a host of artists and was transformed into a meeting place for many of the middle classes among whom were Rattazzi, Lamarmora and D'Azeglio. The premises at the time were adorned with frescos by Gonin, Morgari and Gerbi and by sculptures by Bogliani which were unfortunately damaged during the last war. However, the internal rooms have retained some of the old atmosphere.