Le Giubbe Rosse is a historic literary café in Florence, founded in 1897. It was established by the Reininghaus brothers, two German entrepreneurs who produced beer. The owners wanted to create an elegant venue similar to the famous cafés of Vienna. The café’s name comes from a specific detail: the waiters always wore red jackets. Since Florentine citizens found the owners’ German surname difficult to pronounce, they began calling the place “Le Giubbe Rosse” (The Red Jackets).
Originally, the café was a gathering spot for chess players. The establishment’s history changed in 1913, when it became the official headquarters of the Florentine Futurists. In a short time, the café became a vital cultural hub. Italian and foreign artists, writers, and intellectuals gathered here every day to discuss new ideas. Even today, the café’s walls display many historical photographs of its famous patrons.
After over a century of business, the café experienced a period of crisis and closed in 2018. However, following an extensive renovation, Le Giubbe Rosse reopened in 2024. Today, the venue continues to represent an important piece of Florence’s history and culture.
