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Caffé Fiorio

• Global rating: 0.0
• Address: Via Po, 8
• Description: Caffé Fiorio was founded in 1780, but only became really successful in the early 1800s when it was taken over by the Fiorio brothers. This café saw a whole host of political personalities pass through it during the Risorgimento, right at the time when Italy's future was being determined in Turin. It was called 'The café of the pony tails and the Machiavellians' because it was the meeting point of may aristocrats, officials and members of the government. Among these was Giovanni Prati, Cesare Balbo and Santorre si Santarosa. Together they made the Fiorio into the breeding ground for public opinion in Turin. This is why it is said that the king Charles Albert used to enquire about the latest news asking, 'Qu'est-ce qu'on dit aujourd'hui au Café Fiorio?' In 1845 the Café was refurbished by a host of artists and was transformed into a meeting place for many of the middle classes among whom were Rattazzi, Lamarmora and D'Azeglio. Here Cavour founded a group to play Whist and chess in silence, which he moved to Piazza san Carlo when the Florio became too crowded. The premises at the time were adorned with frescos by Gonin, Morgari and Gerbi and by sculptures by Bogliani which were unfortunately damaged during the last war. However, the internal rooms have retained some of the old atmosphere. It is situated under the arches on Via Po and is a haunt of the university students from Palazzo Nuovo. It is well known for the very good gianduia, cream and hazelnut ice-cream. The mixed cups named Cavour, Garibaldi (with Marsala) and Piemonte (with Asti Spumante) have to be tried. Source: igougo