Catania, 1890The city is teeming with intellectuals and artists. Massimo Vincenzo Bellini Theater opens its doors for the instruction and entertainment of the people and for the perpetual decorum of the city. Chaste Diva, cantabile of the protagonist's cavatina in Norma by Vincenzo Bellini, softly bursts into the air. Top hats and carriages drape the splendid Via EtnaHigh-collared, lace-trimmed bodices hug the curves of Catania's women. It's 1890, and a charming literary café comes to life: the Grande Birraria Svizzera.
Great Swiss Brewery: Discovering Forgotten Catania
Brothers Giovanni and Giorgio Tscharner, Swiss by origin and Catanian by adoption inaugurate the Grande Birraria Svizzera. Literary café, restaurant and brewery with warehouse beer from MunichThe venue is located behind Via Etnea, near Palazzotto Biscari alla Collegiata. The entrance is on Santa Nicolella Square and it's a coming and going of characters. The Grande Birraria Svizzera is a place of writing. The symbol of Catania's dolce vita.
A place where you can have a pleasant conversation. Where, even alone or at most with two or three books, you can immerse yourself in reading. Here, it's not difficult to meet someone's gaze. Giovanni Verga or find yourself Vitaliano Brancati intent on writing lines about the vices and virtues of the people of Catania. At the Grande Birraria Svizzera you can let yourself be enchanted by Nino martoglio and from the fine intellectualism of Hercules Patti.
Much more important than the cafés are the clubs, where members gather day and night. The Birraria Svizzera, opposite the post office, is a meeting place that offers a glimpse of the café life of continental cities. It's very popular; it's to Catania what the Caffè Aragno is to Rome and the "Diana" to Milan. quote from the Traveler's Guide, printed in 1899 in a revised edition by Galatola.
Palazzo Tezzano: May 29, 1915
Grande Birraria Svizzera is Catania's living room, a place beloved by the citizens and requiring more space. The new location was inaugurated on May 29, 1915. We are located in Palazzo Tezzano in Via Etnea, number 141The Grande Birraria Svizzera is a blend of classic and baroque with eclectic touches thanks to the refined taste of architect Paolo Lanzarotti. The renovated setting of the venue attracts more visitors, curious onlookers, and regulars. It is still a succession of personalities of the caliber of Federico De Roberto, Luigi Capuana and Francesco Guglielmino.
1930: Pippo Lorenti and the Gran Caffè Lorenti
In 1930, management of the place passed to Pippo Lorenti, who shortly thereafter acquired ownership. From the Great Swiss Brewery, the Gran Caffè LorentiBar, restaurant, ice cream parlor and billiards hall. In 1934 it was transformed into cafe chantantIt is the first venue in Catania where an orchestra plays. The following year it is the turn of the initiative of the ice cream cones. Plain at 20 cents and 50 cents with the addition of cream. In 1939 the place was enriched by six large murals by the painter Roberto Rimini1942 was a tragic year. A bomb damaged it, resulting in its closure. Reopened in 1945, after the war, it was a resounding success. The inauguration was entrusted to an orchestra conducted by Mario Giusti. The final farewell came in 1948. The Dolce Vita and carefree lifestyle faded, giving way to the Italian department store chain and the immense regret of the people of Catania.
