About COVA

COVA and the Theatre LA SCALA

Founded in 1817 by Antonio Cova, a former soldier in the Napoleon Army, the shop was located just by the side of the Theatre La Scala. This was in the 19th century when Europe was shaken by the swirling winds of the Revolution. After the occupation by the French army under Napoleone Bonaparte’s command, Milan once again came under Austrian domination. COVA’s name entered the history books for having hosted the meetings which led to the "Five Milan days", the citizens’ revolt against the Austrian Habsburg in 1848.

Via Montenapoleone 8

With the bombings of 1943 in the Second World War, the shop was destroyed together with the Theatre La Scala. In 1950, COVA was rebuilt and moved to Via Montenapoleone 8 where it is still located today. COVA’s unique history unfolded without being noticed but with a certain dignity, in one corner of Europe and in the shadow of the spleandour and development of Milan which, among many historical events such as the Habsburg’s decline and the birth of the Italian Kingdom, has reached the peak to gain the definition of Italy’s ‘real’ capital City.

COVA and artists

COVA is also known for the Cafè frequented by the artists like Stendhal, author of "The Red and the Black"; Giacosa who wrote the script for "La Bohème", "Tosca" and "Madam Butterfly"; and Verdi, one of the greatest composers of the 19th Century. Particularly Verdi visited the COVA Cafè and Restaurant frequently when it was located by the Theatre La Scala and he was known to have composed "La Traviata" and "Il Rigoletto" while sitting at a one of the tables of the Cafè. Also COVA is often quoted by Hemingway in his "Farewell to the Arms" as the ideal place for a romantic date.

COVA HONG KONG

In the 90’s COVA encountered new cultures and lands in Asia, opening its first Cafe Restaurant in Hong Kong in 1994, and later on some sweets boutiques. COVA conquered the East in a short span of time presenting traditional sweets and flawlessly Italian styled services. In a huge state-of-the-art architectural complex within one of the world’s largest shopping centres, COVA offers its unmistakable espresso which has immediately become an institution. Also offered in the restaurants of the same name which has become an instant success are the recipes of the best Italian cuisine all served in a reminiscent atmosphere of the COVA ambience of Milan.

On cruise with COVA

With the Celebrity Cruises, COVA travels the world on the boundless seas and oceans under the infinite skies of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic and Pacific. It is a unique occasion to spend the absolute relaxing moments. Abandon yourself to the slow flow of time with sweets accompanied by excellent coffee, which will become another precious travel memory.

COVA JAPAN

COVA TOKYO

Cafe, Cakes, Dinner

COVA NAGOYA MIDLAND SQUARE

Cafe, Cakes

COVA SHINJUKU TAKASHIMAYA

Cafe, Cakes