Caffè Gambrinus
The Caffè Gambrinus is a historic, private cafe or coffeehouse in Central Naples, Italy on Piazza Trieste e Trento. It is located in the rear of the Palazzo della Prefettura, which lies in front and to side of the Royal Palace of Naples, both of which face the Piazza del Plebiscito. The name Gambrinus is a legendary somewhat tipsy figure of joviality, and his name is used for various brands and many establishments.
History
The coffeehouse was founded in 1860 by Vincenzo Apuzzo. The next owner, Mario Vacca, beginning in 1889-1890, commissioned refurbishment and reconstruction using the architect Antonio Curri, and commissioned painted decoration from numerous contemporary artists including Luca Postiglione, Pietro Scoppetta, Vincenzo Volpe, Attilio Pratella, Giuseppe De Sanctis, Giuseppe Casciaro, Gaetano Esposito, Vincenzo Migliaro, Vincenzo Irolli, and Vincenzo Caprile. Their artwork still graces the elegant Art Nouveau interiors, which evoke the spirit of the Belle Epoque.
The cafe was also known for being a meeting site for intellectuals and artists, including Gabriele D'Annunzio and Filippo Tommaso Marinetti.