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Caffe Lavena In the middle of the 18 century the European coffee boom took his run away in the trading town Venice. At that time 24 mostly small coffee bars existed alone at the St. Mark's Square. One of this exist since 1750 at the foot of the Torre dell 'Orologio (clock tower with the astronomical watch), vis-a vis, the San Marco Basilica. In the founding years the restaurant was known under the name "Regina d'Ungheria" (queen of Hungary). Some years later it was renamed "in Orso Coronato (the crowned bear)" suitably to the sign which shows a bear standing on the hind legs with a crown on the head. At this time in colloquial language the Venetians called the café "Caffe dei Foresti" - café of the strangers - because it was very strongly frequented by foreign |
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guests and it became the meeting place for all the one whom didn't found orientation in the lane labyrinth of Venice.
In front of the cafe so-called "code gas" (gas light people) assembled - a group of Gondolieri, porters and all those, these ensured a safe transport primarily after setting in of the darkness. They accompanied the foreign guests of the café with her typical hand lanterns through the gloomy lanes full of corners to their accommodations. With the take-over of the coffee stall in the year 1860 by Carlo Lavena the location attained a nationwide reputation. From now the Caffe carries the name of the new owner. He was sensible enough, to refurbish the precious furnishings, to obtain the old original architecture of the last years. Because of his ability as an outstanding pastry-cook Carlo Lavena introduces his cafe also abroad fast by exporting his exquisite, sweet café products to all of Europe. Due to his personality and culture a big circle of artists and musician felt dressed of the new Caffe Lavena. One of them was the famous German composer Richard Wagner. Wagner went to Lavena within the years 1879 - 1883 every afternoon between four and five o'clocks and cared for friendly relations to the owner. A bust of Richard Wagner still reminds of his visits in the café today. Today, the Caffe Lavena belongs with his precious furnishings and the enchanting atmosphere which exists within the café and outside on the outer terrace to the special historical restaurants in Italy. All the guests are invited to collect their own experience with the glorious past of Venice and his popular traditions. |
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