Planning a trip to Sardinia? Make sure not to leave Cagliari out of your tour. This way you can pay a visit to these amazing historical cafes!
You were wondering where we would have taken you this time, right? Here you are, in the amazing island of Sardinia, ready to take a stroll around the beautiful city of Cagliari.
Cagliari is the main town of the island. As all the maritime cities with a busy port, Cagliari has seen many interesting people passing by, from all kinds of background and with all kinds of stories. Nobles and high society loved the city, and they used to meet in the many historical Cafes in the city center.
Antico Caffé
The founder of this place was not Sardinian: he was in fact from Liguria (a north-western region of Italy). He founded Antico Caffè in 1838 under the name of Caffè Genovese. In 1855 the place’s acquired by a new owner and its name changed to the one it still mantains today.
The Antico Caffè is right next to the “Bastione di Saint Remy” in the “Piazza Costituzione” square. The Bastione is a fortress dating back to the 19th century. The main streets of the city center all converge in this square: via Garibaldi, via Mazzini, via Sulis and Viale Regina Elena.
The most curious thing in this café runs around the terrace: this section, in fact, is surrounded by the rails that were built by the prisoners, once put to forced labor in this very area.
The style of Antico Caffè is very elegant, and it’s no coincidence that its patrons of the past were very illustrious people such as D.H Lawrence, Grazia Deledda. Emilio Lussu, Sibilla Aleramo, Gabriele D’annunzio. Salvatore Quasimodo and many more. This cafe is so important and embedded in the local tradition that it is today under the protection of the Cultural Heritage Ministry.
This place is still here today, even though a few harsh episodes between the owners of the place and the landlord have almost put its existence in jeopardy in the past. Don’t miss the chance to pay a visit here!
Caffè Genovese 1838
We mentioned this name on the previous paragraph, remember? Well the place wasn’t closed for good in 1855, it just moved in Via Logudoro! You can still visit the place today. Caffè Genovese 1838 has been closed for a while during 1997. But its owner and manager Giuseppe Rivara kept the place open eventually. Nearby this café is the Basilica of San Saturnino, the oldest church of the city – you can miss the chance to visit that either!
This café is popular for its espresso and its pastries, along with a long list of popular delicacies. If you want our opinion, you’ll have to try the following ones: marengo (cream and meringue) cassata ice-cream and sacripantina cake.
Caffè Tramer
“Caffè Tramer” is just the name every local use to refer to this place. But its full name is much more traditional, and it evokes the elegance of past times: Offelleria Svizzera di Vittorio Tramer & Co. The place has been open since 1857 in Piazza Martiri d’Italia square.
The interior of this place feels like it had been left untouched since its opening: elegant, classic and rich in decorative elements. Thanks to its history and traditional activity it has been awarded with the title of “Historical Shop” by its municipality in 2013.
Meringues are the main delicacy Caffè Tramer is famous for. The recipe for those is still the original Swiss one. Come to try one, paired with a great espresso or a delicious hot chocolate.
Caffè Svizzero
Caffè Svizzero is open since 1880, which makes it one of the most ancient cafes in Cagliari, and you can find it in Largo Carlo Felice. Caffè Svizzero owes part of its beauty to the fact that architect Dionigi Scano placed it in a superb palace known as Palazzo Accardo.
The vibe here is still elegant and somehow retro. The furnishing and the deco remind of the old, elegant days.
“Fun” fact: be aware that Caffè is Svizzero is a haunted place, 7 ghosts are stuck here! One of them is Priest Luigi, who is simply looking for his shoes since decades. Another one is Mr Devoto, the first owner: you will recognize him for his elegant and outdated moustache.
This was a good trip, don’t you think? We’ll see you next time in another great Italian city!
