Our story. The Gran Caffè Defilla, one of the the largest cafés in Liguria

In 1900 the Swiss Gaspero Defilla, originally from Sent in the Grisons, took over from the Sanguineti Brothers what was a sort of tavern and opened in Chiavari, right under the arcades of the historic Piazza XX Settembre dominated by the imposing monument to Garibaldi, what would become the center of Chiavari social life, as well as a privileged meeting point for important public figures visiting the Ligurian town.
Since 1982 Mauro Pietronave, who succeeded the Torta family who in turn had taken over the company from the historic Defilla family, has been carrying on this activity which is a source of pride for the whole local community, aiming, with great commitment and sacrifice, at recovery and conservation of the ancient Caffè. In 1993 a wine shop/restaurant was also added, one of the best-stocked in Liguria, which the patron entrusted to expert professional sommeliers.

The Gran Caffè Defilla is a member of Locali Storici d’Italia, a not-for-profit cultural association of the oldest and most prestigious hotels, restaurants, pastry shop-confectioners, and literary cafés. Together, they have made the history of Italy by promoting, or acting as the venues for, great events and for the eminent personalities who have frequented them.

And... Did you notice that there is a Kunsthalle hidden in the cafe?