‘Il Conventino,’ A Florence Summer Spot
The Conventino Literary Cafe (Il Conventino Caffè Letterario Arte) located on Florence’s via Giano della Bella 20 has reopened, resuming a summer schedule of events and workshops after months of lockdown. The former cloister will be open daily from 9 am to 11 pm (closed Sunday and Monday).
Those interested will be able to participate in painting workshops, conversations in English, crochet lessons, and guided tours throughout the Conventino to learn more about its history. The literary café also offers a program dedicated to children which includes a series of activities meant to stimulate knowledge, creativity, and curiosity. Perhaps most exciting is the “Little Writers of the Conventino” workshop lead by Francesca Tofanari which welcomes children ages 8 to 12 to learn about creative writing.
On Tuesday evening there is usually a book presentation; to see upcoming events and reserve a spot, visit the website. In addition to literary focused events, the Literary Cafe is also organizing a series of special events and themed musical evenings occurring Tuesday through Saturday. At 6 pm every Tuesday the Conventino hosts English Tea and conversation (reserve a space by calling 349 3101289) in addition to crocheting (free; information and reservations at 349 3101289). Wednesday is dedicated to Vinyasa Yoga lessons with Ilaria Castellino and music by Miss Kat at 7 pm. There are also happy hours (aperitivi) accompanied by live music: Thursday brings the Cupiditas Orchestra with musicians from the Fiesole Music School and the Conservatory, Friday the “Sound Ambient,” and finally Saturday features a live jazz performance with Harry’s Jazz Combo, curated by “Sound Convent” (Convento Sonoro), all starting at 7 pm.
The cafeteria is also accessible, but with a new summer menu still offering wonderful local food and wine. Visitors will be able to enjoy their favorite classics including the Conventino pizza, tasty crostoni (toasted bread with toppings), brioches from Florence’s Buonamici Pastry Shop, and artisanal desserts by Maria Valiani. Likewise, the newsstand has reopened so people can buy newspapers, magazines, and international publications often dedicated to the arts and crafts. And of course, the weekly crossword puzzle (settimane enigmistiche) will also be available. All available activities and services will take place in the cafeteria and outside the Cloister, in compliance with COVID regulations.
The cloister was built at the end of the nineteenth century as a convent for the Barefoot Carmelite nuns. After WWI, the convent was put up for sale and purchased by the Florentine Artistic Society Gusmano Vignali, and then sold to Paolo Uzielli who rented the space for artisan shops and studios. During these decades, the convent was frequented by intellectuals, painters, and philosophers and subsequently established its reputation as a center for cultural exchanges. It is perhaps this strong bond between the literary cafe and the neighborhood which prevented the demolition of the complex in 1963. The most recent renovation of the space in 2009 repurposed furnishings and elements from the cloister’s history; for example, the nineteenth-century door has become a bar counter.
Thanks to donations and original furnishings from the former shop, the 3,500 square meters has become a pulsating center of ideas, hospitality, craftsmanship, and art where people can spend time to relax, read, or study. Creator and curator Olivia Turchi says the café is part of a larger cultural project and hopes its activities will expand and become even more beneficial for the area.
Before COVID, the cafe would be filled with children playing, kids studying at tables using free wifi and internet access, customers enjoying drinks, and potential buyers perusing artisans’ work. The same atmosphere will return for the summer as Florentines return to the city’s literary and artisanal hub to enjoy live entertainment and delicious food and drink. (elizabeth berry)
