Coffee moved to Europe in the 17th century, and Venice was among the first European cities to see its emergence. Venice was considered an important trading center between East and West, and therefore played a major role in introducing coffee to European culture. Initially, coffee was the subject of doubt and debate about its compatibility with European customs and customs, especially from a religious standpoint.
Over time, cafés began to open in large cities such as Paris, London, and Vienna, and became a place for philosophical, cultural, and social discussion. In France, for example, cafés were centers of culture and philosophy and played a role in the French Revolution. In England, coffee shops turned into what were known as “Penny Universities,” where people could pay a penny for a cup of coffee and engage in rational discussions.
In addition, coffee has become part of daily customs and traditions in Europe, from espresso in Italy to filter coffee in Scandinavia. In this context, it can be said that coffee was not just a drink that moved from East to West, but rather became part of the cultural identity of several European countries.
The role of trade and colonialism in expanding coffee cultivation and distribution on a global scale cannot be ignored. European countries played a major role in transporting coffee seeds to their colonies in the New World, such as Brazil and Colombia, which later became among the largest coffee producers in the world.
Nowadays, coffee in Europe has turned into a huge industry with a diverse and sophisticated culture. With technology, consumers in Europe can access multiple types of coffee from around the world more easily than ever before, from premium specialty coffees to flavor-enhanced versions.
Overall, coffee is not just a beverage in Europe; It is an experience that reflects the cultural and social development of the continent over the ages.