by InTrieste
Nestled in the heart of Trieste, Caffè San Marco boasts a rich history dating back to its inauguration in 1914. Once a spirited meeting place for intellectuals fervently advocating for the expulsion of Austrians and the union with Italy, the café faced destruction just over a year later at the hands of Austrian loyalists seeking vengeance for Italy’s entry into the war.
Despite its tumultuous past, the café’s 110-year-old charm remains intact, preserved through minimal changes and occasional renovations, such as those in the thirties and a more extensive restoration in 1989. Over the years, it has become a literary haven, hosting the likes of Tullio Kezich and Claudio Magris. The latter, renowned for his work ‘Microcosmi,’ famously described the café as his personal resistance to life.
Since October 2013, the café has undergone a transformation, with a bookstore taking over the space that once housed billiard tables. The book store, managed by Loriana Ursich, and the café have evolved into a secular pilgrimage site, attracting tourists eager to capture its allure through photos, videos, and online raves. Filmmakers have also recognized its cinematic potential, with director Sandro Bolchi featuring it in scenes for “Coscienza di Zeno” and the recent TV series “La Porta Rossa.”
Nowadays managed by Alexandros Delithanassis and Eugenia Fenzi, Caffè San Marco continues to be a living testament to Trieste’s history and a vibrant hub where the past seamlessly merges with the present, inviting both locals and visitors to experience its literary and cultural legacy.
