Coffee

FLORIAN

Today, this café still offers its clientele the opportunity to savour and experience the long history of Venice whilst comfortably seated in one of its small lounges in the most prestigious position, under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in Piazza San Marco in Venice. ‘Caffè Florian’ is the oldest Café in Italy and represents one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Inaugurated on December 29th 1720 by Floriano Francesconi with the name “Alla Venezia Trionfante”, it became known by its clientele simply as “Florian”, the name of its owner. It has gone on to become the most famous “coffee shop”, frequented by such famous people as Goldoni, Canaletto and Guardi. It was here that Casanova would sit and drink a hot chocolate while contemplating his next romantic conquest. Florian also represents the pure essence of the Venice Carnival: a perfect place for people watching and a place to be watched in your turn. A stage that comes to life with the most beautiful 18th century masks.

Back to the “Venice’s Secrets” page