The aroma rising from your cup has its origins in distant mountains, under clear skies and on volcanic soils. There, in southern Ethiopia, Coffea arabica ripens into ruby-red cherries. Legend tells of Kaldi, the goat herder, who saw his goats dancing tirelessly after eating these fruits. Curious, he brought the cherries to the Sufi monks in Yemen. Ground, roasted over fire, and steeped in water, they became qahwa – the drink that illuminated nocturnal prayers.
Coffee history takes a decisive step in 1582, when the German physician and botanist Leonhard Rauwolf travels caravan routes and busy souks of the Orient. In his diary, he describes a drink, "black as ink, bitter as aloe, yet delicate in fragrance." These words reach Augsburg, spread through European salons, and awaken the curiosity of merchants and aristocrats. Coffee is no longer an Oriental secret – it becomes a dream, a myth, and a pretext for adventurous journeys.
Only a few decades later, in 1618, the Zurich native Johann Jakob Ammann tastes the "wine of Arabia" in a Damascus palace. He notes the rituals, the scent of cardamom, the careful preparation. Back in Zurich, he tells his astonished compatriots about this new drink and calls it the "drink of the Turks." For the first time, the word coffee is heard in Switzerland – and nothing will ever be the same.
From Venice, where skilled merchants recognize the potential and fill ship holds with green beans, the aroma of coffee spreads throughout Europe. Oxford opens the first coffee house in 1650, London follows two years later; in Zurich and Basel, small steaming cups become the fuel for ideas before the first newspapers and heated Reformation debates. Coffee is now more than a drink: it becomes a meeting point, a social ritual, and a spark for philosophical and political discussions.
The 19th century ushers in the age of locomotives and telegraphs – and with it, the first industrial roasteries: the price falls, caffè latte becomes a working-class breakfast, and the intoxicating scent of freshly roasted beans fills streets and train stations. In 1912, the Swiss company HAG invents decaffeinated coffee; in 1938, Nestlé in Vevey launches instant Nescafé. The question "Shall we go for a coffee?" establishes itself as a universal invitation to pause daily life, share thoughts, and let time stand still for a moment.
A Sip of Italian History: The Promise of La Bottega del Caffè
Today, this centuries-old story continues – bean by bean, cup by cup. We at La Bottega del Caffè carefully select the best products. In our online shop, you will find the brands that have shaped Italy's espresso culture – Lavazza, Illy, Borbone, Hausbrandt – symbols of a rich and passionate tradition. They are complemented by typical specialties from Abruzzo: Sulmona confetti, bronze-drawn pasta, extra virgin olive oil, pastries, and mountain sweets.
Each product is chosen with the same curiosity that drove Rauwolf, and with the same wonder that Ammann felt: we want to bring the best of Italian taste directly to Switzerland – ready to enjoy, authentic. Fast deliveries, loving details, and stories about each blend are part of our commitment, because we believe: in every bean lies a fascinating story.
Lift your steaming cup: listen to the echo of Kaldi, the rustle of caravans, the lively murmur of the first literary cafés. From the mystery of the Orient to your daily indulgence, coffee reminds us that every morning is a new beginning – and every sip can be a journey into history and taste.Discover our exquisite selection of Italian coffees, let yourself be seduced by the authentic aroma, and bring a piece of rich Italian tradition to your table. 🇮🇹🇨🇭☕
