Caffé Stagnitta is without doubt 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 heart, since 1931.

Along with Espresso home, it’s also a retailer and roastery, so additionally they roast and promote their very own espresso blends. In reality, it’s exactly a espresso mix to offer it its title. “Preferrred”, 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 will not be probably the most specific factor about this historic place. When you sit on the open-air terrace you won’t perceive why it’s surrounded by black and white images.

Portraits of intellectuals akin to Pier Paolo Pasolini, the author Leonardo Sciascia and the painter Renatto Guttuso, each Sicilians, but additionally nameless characters, such because the penetrating gaze of a Palermitan lady along with her soccer ball or a bent outdated lady strolling with an ice cream.

What relationship might be between images and occasional? The one which was between two individuals: Ignazio Stagnitta, son of the founder, and Letizia Battaglia, considered one of Italy’s most vital photographers. Though they divorced within the Nineteen Seventies, their relationship is the explanation why this café can also 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.” At present, a memorial plaque commemorates her, her work and her love for Palermo.