Strega del Mare

The Strega del Mare was opened the summer of 1960 by Leonardo Bedini who felt that the Argentario missed a nightclub where one could dance to some good music and enjoy a drink in a stunning setting overlooking the Mediterranean.

The original set up was a little eccentric, the Bedinis own a charming villa nearby where the dependence “The Beatle House” (in honour of the band) became the summer dwelling of the Strega’s team. In other words, those who worked at the club were guaranteed board and lodging and paid pocket money each week. In order to be chosen to be part of this paying holiday meets a summer job one had to be young, keen and British. This unusual set up lead the club to be know as Le Streghe (the witches) in honour of the girls that worked there.

Leonardo Bedini had worked in films and managed to infuse the club with some Hollywood glitz and glamour: Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch and a young Dudley Moore were among the clubs’ aficionados without forgetting the Dutch Royals and “Roma per bene” (well-to-do Romans).

As with any business Le Streghe had its good and bad years. In the 70’s the club evolved into a disco with a ticket paying entrance in order to keep up with the times. Leonardo Bedini sold the club after 25years to Massimo Bernardi who refurbished it in the mid 80’s and enjoyed a comeback for about 5 years with Roman holidaymakers.