Caffé Stagnitta is likely one of the oldest cafés in Palermo, in 2022 it celebrated a century of life. Though it was initially situated in Piazza Venezia, it has been in its present location in Discesa dei Giudici, within the coronary heart of the historic middle, since 1931.
Along with Espresso home, it is usually a retailer and roastery, so additionally they roast and promote their very own espresso blends. In actual fact, it’s exactly a espresso mix to present it its title. “Perfect”, was their first mix and Stagnitta the surname of the household that created it and has been operating the roastery for 4 generations.
However the truth that they roast and promote espresso isn’t probably the most specific factor about this historic place. If you happen to sit on the open-air terrace you may not perceive why it’s surrounded by black and white images.
Portraits of intellectuals corresponding to Pier Paolo Pasolini, the author Leonardo Sciascia and the painter Renatto Guttuso, each Sicilians, but in addition nameless characters, such because the penetrating gaze of a Palermitan woman together with her soccer ball or a bent outdated girl strolling with an ice cream.
What relationship will be between pictures and occasional? The one which was between two folks: Ignazio Stagnitta, son of the founder, and Letizia Battaglia, one in all Italy’s most essential photographers. Though they divorced within the Seventies, their relationship is the rationale why this café can be a spot of Palermo’s cultural reminiscence.
Battaglia, who handed away final 12 months, documented probably the most horrible years of mafia violence, the so-called “years of lead.” Immediately, a memorial plaque commemorates her, her work and her love for Palermo.
