Considered a real institution, Teatro Niccolini in Florence is a rare example of Italian and European history. The theatrical space is in fact not only the first theatre in Florence, but also one of the first Modern Theatres in Europe. Its foundation dates back to 1648, when a group of Florentine nobles decided to institute the Accademia degli Immobili, receiving in rent some room of Palazzo degli Ughi, in via del Cocomero (now via Ricasoli)...

Following an internal division, the academics decide to pursue different paths: a group decided to give birth to so called today Teatro della Pergola, in the same street, the other one remained in via del Cocomero to found the Accademia degli Infuocati, which theme is present in their crest, with the image of a lightened bomb and the motto “A tempo infuocati” (A tempo fiery). The Theatre of Cocomero opened officially in 1658.

Named after the playwright from Livorno, Giovanni Battista Niccolini, during the centuries Teatro Niccolini has changed many times: from the parterres’ shape to the use of electric lightning, from the rise of the cinema and the consequential conversion into movie theater to the U-turn in favour of live performances, during the 70’, with the theatre company Granteatro di Roberto Toni e Carlo Cecchi. Then Ingmar Bergman, the Living Theatre, Carmelo Bene, Vittorio Gassman and Paolo Poli... these are just some of the famous names that have trod the stage of this historic place. The Teatro Niccolini in Florence, closed in 1995, was reopened again in 2016, after a long restoration by the Pagliai family, to give voice and space to one of the most important realities of the city.

Besides the shows and the pièces, Teatro Niccolini is renewed for its Caffè del Teatro, a peaceful and silent oasis where anyone can enjoy pleasant moments of serenity. Yes, because even if the place is in an absolutely central position, ideal for a break before steep yourself into the monuments and works of the town centre, its intimate and relaxing atmosphere paints calm scenarios, idilliac bubbles where you can feel away, even for few minutes, from the mass tourism that surround the streets of Florence.

The location, renovated at the beginning of the new millennium and later in 2022, by the Arch. Saverio Innocenti, offers rooms capable of communicating the idea of comfort and modern style, thanks to its extremely comfy seats, great tables to enjoy endless moments of conviviality but able to give the right privacy to anyone who entertains inside the Cafe del Teatro. The perfect place to meet for a delicious lunch break, savour exotic cocktails, enjoy appetisers or where to stay for dinner, enjoying the exquisite dishes prepared in the nearby restaurant Buca Niccolini, an example of excellence and historical cuisine in Florence.3