When you pass by a place whose name literally translates to The Cave Brothel, it’s impossible not to pop in for a quick look around. No, you won’t find any scantily clad ladies entertaining the patrons – Bordel la Grotta is only a bar and bistro these days. However, it makes for a curious snippet of the local history, as the place once used to house the most popular brothel in the city.

There are quite a few remnants of the bygone era scattered around the place, such as a large price list from 1944 that’s displayed on the wall: 35 lira for civilian clients, an undisclosed amount for the soldiers. That’s just a small part of the captivating interior, a quirky mix of industrial chic and rustic decor that makes this place really unique.

Former services aside, Bordel la Grotta nowadays offers a range of quick and tasty meals at quite a reasonable price. It’s a perfect place for brunch on those days when you don’t have a lot of time to spare, and a nice plate of pasta or risotto will cost you around the same as a pint of good craft beer. The quiet café turns into a lively venue in the evening, with live music on most weekends.