FLORIAN VENEZIA
Caffè Florian History
THE OLDEST COFFEEHOUSE IN ITALY
Caffè Florian opened in St. Mark’s Square, where it still stands today, on December 29, 1720.
THE ORIGIN OF CAFFE’ FLORIAN
Its first name was “Alla Venezia Trionfante”, or “Triumphant Venice”, but in a short few months, Venetians began calling it “Florian’s” after the name of the Caffè’s founder, Floriano Francesconi.
This magnificent location, after more than 300 years’s history, is still the place where Venice and the world meet.
Comfortably seated in the magnificent halls, completely restored in the mid-nineteenth century, you can breathe the long and lively history of the city that unfolded outside the café’s stained-glass windows: the rise and fall of the Republic of Venice, conspirators plotting the end of the French and, later, Austrian rule – in fact, the wounded from the 1848 uprising were treated inside its Halls.
A MELTING POT OF CULTURES
The coffee house remained open and active even in times of war, continuing to serve as the ideal setting for a light meal, refreshments, and meeting with friends.
Crossroads of whatever is new and interesting, from state affairs to local gossip and frivolous chat about the latest fashion, ever since its opening, Caffè Florian has always been called home by the eminent and the notable.
Venetian nobility would sit side by side with ambassadors, merchants, fortune hunters, men of letters and artists, but also the ordinary citizens of La Serenissima. Even today, you may find yourself sitting in one of the coffee house rooms next to stage or screen stars, or personalities from the world of art, culture, politics, and business.
“Andemo da Florian!” (“Let’s meet at Florian’s!”) is a motto that has been around for almost three centuries and invites Venetians and visitors to immerse in its unique atmosphere.
