Caffe Florian Verified listing

Founded in 1720 and situated under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in Piazza San Marco, Caffè Florian stands as Italy’s oldest continuously operating café and one of the oldest in the world. Originally named Alla Venezia Trionfante, it was soon nicknamed after its founder—Floriano Francesconi—as “Florian.” From its earliest days, it broke with convention by being the first Venetian café to allow women, attracting luminaries like Goethe, Casanova, Lord Byron, Marcel Proust, and Charles Dickens to its tables.

Stepping inside is like entering a living museum. Over the centuries, the café expanded and was lavishly redecorated into elaborately themed rooms: the Senate Hall, Chinese Hall, Oriental Hall, Hall of the Illustrious Men, Hall of the Seasons, and later the Art Nouveau Liberty Room. Each room boasts frescoed ceilings, gilded mirrors, Murano glass chandeliers, and works by prominent Venetian artists, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and grandeur.

Caffè Florian isn’t just about architecture—it remains a sensory experience. Patrons can enjoy signature coffees like the rich, indulgent “Florian” (espresso topped with cream and chocolate), luxurious pastries, afternoon tea, or simply a drink served with impeccable service on a silver tray while live music drifts through the air. Whether seated inside these storied halls or outdoors overlooking the hustle of St. Mark’s Square, the experience is as much about history and ambiance as it is about what’s on the menu.