Caffè del Tasso

Caffè del Tasso is a historic café located in the central Piazza Vecchia of Città Alta, the upper town of Bergamo, Italy. It is one of the oldest continuously operating cafés in the country, with its origins tracing back to 1476, when it was inaugurated under the name Locanda delle due spade. Over the centuries, the establishment has undergone several name changes and architectural transformations, reflecting the broader historical shifts of the region. In 1861, it was renamed Torquato Tasso Caffè e Bottiglieria, following the placement of a statue dedicated to the poet Torquato Tasso directly opposite the café, under the Palazzo della Ragione. Later in the 19th century, the café adopted its current name, Caffè del Tasso, and was renovated in a neoclassical style, moving away from its medieval appearance. The café has long been a gathering place for notable figures, including artists, musicians, writers, Nobel laureates, Hollywood stars, and sports and entertainment personalities. It is a member of the Locali Storici d'Italia, an association that recognizes historically significant establishments in Italy. The café's official information is available through the Visit Bergamo website, which serves as its official site. Despite its long history and cultural significance, Caffè del Tasso remains an active venue in the heart of Bergamo's historic center.

The earliest records of Caffè del Tasso date back to 1476, when it was inaugurated as Locanda delle due spade. From 1814 to 1859, Bergamo was under the Austrian Empire as part of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia. In 1849, an Austrian cannonball struck the establishment. The café later became a base for Bergamaschi who decided to follow Giuseppe Garibaldi in the Expedition of the Thousand; the premises still preserve a photograph of Agostino Pasquinelli, one of the many citizen volunteers. In 1861, the establishment was renamed Torquato Tasso Caffè e Bottiglieria, when the municipal administration placed a statue dedicated to the poet Torquato Tasso directly opposite the café, under the Palazzo della Ragione. Torquato Tasso was born into a noble Bergamasque family from Val Brembana. In the second half of the 19th century, the austere medieval appearance was abandoned, and the café was adapted to new architectural trends in the neoclassical style; its name was also changed to the current Caffè del Tasso. Over time, the café has hosted countless famous visitors, including artists, musicians, writers, Nobel laureates, Hollywood stars, and notable figures from sports, cinema, and Italian and international music. It is a member of the Locali Storici d'Italia association.

• 1861

  Renamed Torquato Tasso Caffè e Bottiglieria after a statue of the poet Torquato Tasso was placed opposite.

• 1849

  Struck by an Austrian cannonball during Austrian rule.

• 1476

  Inaugurated as Locanda delle due spade.

• Renovated in neoclassical style and renamed Caffè del Tasso in the second half of the 19th century.

Historic café and cultural landmark in Bergamo's Città Alta, part of the Locali Storici d'Italia.

Product categories. Coffee · Pastries · Alcoholic beverages · Bottiglieria (bottle shop) services

1. 1Caffè del Tasso - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2Caffè del Tasso - Wikipedia (Italian)it.wikipedia.org
3. 3Caffè del Tasso - Visit Bergamovisitbergamo.net