In the heart of Rome, a stone’s throw from Piazza della Repubblica, the golden age of a historic pastry shop comes to an end. The Antica Pasticceria Dagnino, famous for its opulent Sicilian pastries, has been a symbol of the capital since 1954, but its historic establishment is close to closing, as Artribune.com reports. Despite a strong popular mobilization, the Dagnino family’s well-known Capitoline “salon” will leave its original location in the charming Galleria Esedra, opening a new chapter elsewhere in the city.
Sicilian pastry shop in Rome
Founded in Sicily in the late 19th century, the Roman branch was opened by Alfredo and Andrea Dagnino inside the covered passage connecting Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando and Via Torino. The environment is a historical unicum, with mirrors painted by Alfonso Amorelli depicting female figures and wooden sculptures by Giovanni Maria Manganelli celebrating Sicilian provinces in traditional dress, not to mention abstract panels by Herta Schaeffer. The establishment is listed as one of Rome’s Historical Workshops.
The Roman business, taken over over time by the Cola brothers, has kept this connection to tradition and art alive. The venue also has a history as an innovator, having hosted the Sottovetro exhibition cycle from 2003 to 2007, transforming the shop windows into contemporary art spaces.
About the Move
The bakery, which has been part of the Historic Shops for 20 years, is forced to leave Galleria Esedra because the ownership (Finaval Gruppo Feltrinelli) has decided not to renew the contract that expires at the end of 2025. The relocation process seems inevitable, due in part to the urgent need for structural renovations to the Galleria itself.
To bid farewell to the historic venue, Dagnino will host a major five-day art event, Nov. 18-23: The Pastry Show, an exhibition curated by Pier Paolo Pancotto. The event will open on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.
We are waiting to hear what the new location of this Sicilian pastry shop will be.