JACOB JR. MY JEWISH WORLD. CAFFÉ PEDROCCHI CAFÉ. PADOVA/ITALY

Wednesday, Cheshvan 5, 5778. October 25, 2017.

Shalom! World.

Caffè Pedrocchi, situated at Via VIII Febbraio, 15. Padova, Italy.

Appearing more like a palace than a  coffeehouse, this historical Café Pedrocchi of Padua has entertained famous literary and political figures since its founding in 1831. Because it was also the largest café in Europe, Café Pedrocchi became a quick sensation.

Coffee consuption by the bourgeoisie of Europe grew very popular during the 18th century. As a result, in 1772 Francesco Pedrocchi of  Bergamo began the original and very successful coffee shop here near the University of Padua, the town hall, and markets. It became the central hub, the social heartbeat of the city.

In 1831, Francesco's son Antonio expanded the coffee house to cover an entire block by hiring Venetioan architect Giuseppe Jappelli to resigne the premise. He integrated diferente buildings and facades into a single unit, creating an eclectic extension. The interior is neoclassical in style, with marble floors and pillars while adorned with graceful ornamentation. 

There are three rooms on the main floor. The Red, White and Green rooms which are the colors of  the Italian flag. Upstairs are nine rooms and a museum featuring 19th century Paduan history. Famous artists such as Stendhal, Lord Byron, Dario Fo and several others have spent much time here.

The café was heavily damaged in WWII and completely rebuilt inn its original neoclassical 19th century splendor. During the war, Italian revolutionaries met here to plan na unsuccessful attempt to overthrow their Austrian occupiers. The walls of Cafe Pedrocchi are imbued with many a conversation. 

Inside the café, the ambience is one of class and elegance. Café Pedrocchi is the name of their signature drink, made of piping hot espresso topped with a cold mint creme topping. Luscious!

Finger sandwiches, olives and chips accompanied the drinks and were the perfect addition.

Tall Greek colummns and stately lions gave  the café a very unsual feel. Exotic, stately, classic, the  building graced the streets of Padova with a lot of  charm.  University professors and students,  intellectuals, and artists have all spent much time consorting with each other inside the café, solving the problems  of the world. 

It is called a 'doorless cafe' because originally it was open 24 hours a day. During the warm weather the doors are thrown wide open and the waiters breeze in and out while attending to every need of those sitting on the veranda and out onto the pedestrian piazza.

It truly is a remakable in Padova, one that has earned the right to be listed highly in the city's "hall  of fame".

Shalom! Aleichem.

Cultural Support:  Jacob Jr. B.A.C.E., avec L'Integration d'Association avec Israel et dans le Monde/Cz .