Caffè Quadri
Map.
The Gran Caffè Quadri, which is situated on the north side of the Piazza San Marco, first opened on May 28th, 1775. The owner was Giorgio Quadri, a Venetian merchant who had returned to Venice, from a long stay in Corfu, with his Greek wife Naxina. At the time of his arrival, Venice had over 200 coffee shops, 24 of which were located in Saint Mark's Square (today there are only 4).
Unfortunately, Quadri failed to make his cafe a success and went bankrupt. The business was brought back to life in 1830 by the brothers Vivarini, who hired Ludovico Cadorin to design new furnishings. The paintings were supplied by Giuseppe Ponga, who was inspired by the works of Pietro Longhi. |