Why Harry's Bar in Venice is an Italian Landmark

The original Harry’s Bar in Venice withstands the passage of time with inimitable grace. The enigmatic etched glass door, a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, is a landmark. Harry’s Bar is the epitome, encapsulation and the essence of the American Century. Elegant, yet informal; stiffly starched and yet relaxed; Harry’s Bar is where foreigners come to feel like locals and Venetians feel like they are abroad, where expats from countries that no longer exist feel at home, and boring people are made to feel like movie stars. The list is long and illustrious of those who return habitually to the small, low tables to drink the familiar cocktails and while away the hours: amongst clandestine lovers, spoiled rich kids, ladies of a certain age with their pugs, gigolos and cuckolds, minor royalty and their imposters, muses and impresarios, disinherited heiresses and other regulars.