Caffe San Marco, Trieste

The historic Caffe San Marco opened for business in Trieste in 1914. It is still located on Battista Street and is still the property of Italy's largest insurance company, General Insurance (Assicurazioni Generali). It soon became an emblematic watering hole for the city's writers, artists, students, musicians, and activists known as the "irredentists."

Among well-known regulars were intellectuals and writers James Joyce, Italo Svevo, Umberto Saba, Giani Stuparich, and Virgilio Giotti. The cafe was destroyed in the first World War by the Austrian troops, but it re-opened almost immediately afterward.

Entering the Caffe San Marco, one is enveloped in an atmosphere of liberty and Bohemia. The brass lamps hanging from the high ceilings, the Veronese red marble tables, and the mirrors on the walls reflecting original paintings give rise to emotions accompanied by the marvelous aroma of fresh ground coffee.

The interior reflects the Art Nouveau aspects of the Vienna Secession style of buildings so popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As well as original art, the walls have frescoes credited to the famous Secessionist artist Vito Timmel. The cafe was thoroughly restored in 2013 and now has a small bookstore that also functions as a cultural core, hosting book presentations and discussions with writers, actors, and artists.