Are these the most expensive coffees or hot chocolates in Venice? It’s certainly the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. And I’ve tried a lot. This is by far the most expensive coffee or hot chocolate I’ve ever had too. So was it worth visiting Caffe Florian? Yes.
Cioccolata Casanova – Hot chocolate, mint cream and chocolate shavings, €13.50
Frozen Florian – Cold coffee cream with whipped cream, €13.50
It’s not just the luxurious hot chocolate and coffee that makes visiting Caffè Florian worth it, it’s the experience too.
Established in 1720, Caffè Florian is the oldest operating cafe in Europe. It was also one of the first to welcome women whilst famous visitors include Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust and even Casanova (which explains why our hot chocolate is named after him.
We hadn’t planned on visiting Caffè Florian. We were wandering under the arches at Piazza San Marco killing times before our flight back when we noticed the luxurious facade. From the outside, Caffè Florian looks like a cafe from the past.
We didn’t actually read the menu before going in. It was only when we sat down at the table we realised just how expensive everything in there was. The afternoon tea is €35 (we should have maybe bought this in hindsight…).
As soon as you step through the doors, you notice the beautiful tiled floor. A waiter in smart white shirt and black waistcoat and trousers greets and shows you to your table. You’re surrounded by elegant mirrors, stuccos and frescos. We’re clearly not dressed correctly for this, but the staff are all very friendly.
Caffe Florian is a once in a lifetime experience, so I recommend visiting if you have extra spending money!
Caffè Florian: A Tale of Elegance, History, and Coffee in Venice
Venice, a city steeped in history and romance, is known for its captivating canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled within the heart of Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco is Caffè Florian, a timeless establishment that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and the enduring allure of coffee culture.
The Birth of Caffè Florian
Caffè Florian was born in an era of enlightenment, the 18th century, when Venice was a flourishing hub of art, trade, and intellectual exchange. In 1720, Floriano Francesconi, an Italian beverage maker, decided to transform his modest coffee shop into an elegant and sophisticated establishment. This transformation marked the birth of Caffè Florian, named after its founder and inspired by the Greek word “Phlorios,” meaning flourishing.
The café was strategically located on the Procuratie Nuove side of Piazza San Marco, making it an ideal spot for people-watching and intellectual discourse. It soon attracted artists, writers, poets, and philosophers, becoming a haven for creative minds.
The Enlightenment Hub
In the 18th century, Venice was a thriving center of culture and art. It was a city of elegance and inspiration, and Caffè Florian embodied this spirit. The café’s opulent decor, featuring sumptuous furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and exquisite artwork, set the stage for enlightening conversations and artistic exchange.
It was in this very café that Casanova, the infamous Venetian lover and adventurer, once sipped coffee while sharing his tales of romance and intrigue. The café’s clientele also included literary giants like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Lord Byron, and Marcel Proust, who all found inspiration within its ornate walls.
A Symbol of Resilience: Surviving Wars and Revolution
Caffè Florian bore witness to turbulent times in Venice’s history. During the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the café faced the challenges of occupation. Despite the shifting political landscape, it managed to not only survive but thrive, continuing to be a beacon of culture and sophistication.
In the 19th century, Caffè Florian also weathered the storms of the Italian Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. The café, with its historic allure, remained a symbol of Venetian identity even as Venice eventually became part of a unified Italy.
Caffè Florian in the 20th Century
The 20th century brought new challenges to Caffè Florian. It had to navigate the tumultuous waters of two world wars. During World War II, Venice, like many European cities, faced devastation. Remarkably, despite wartime hardships, the café continued to serve coffee to its loyal patrons.
Caffè Florian’s resilience was not limited to its wartime survival. In the 1950s, the café faced financial difficulties that threatened its existence. Fortunately, a group of Venetian intellectuals and artists rallied to save this iconic establishment, ensuring that it would continue to be a place of inspiration and art for generations to come.
Cultural Revival and the Arts Festival
Caffè Florian’s connection to the arts has remained strong throughout its history. In 1980, the café initiated the Caffè Florian Prize, an international award recognizing excellence in contemporary art. This tradition continues to this day and is an acknowledgment of the café’s enduring commitment to the arts.
Furthermore, Caffè Florian plays a prominent role in the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious events in the art world. The café serves as an unofficial meeting point for artists, critics, and art enthusiasts during the Biennale, solidifying its position as a cultural hub within Venice.
Caffè Florian Today: An Icon of Elegance
Today, Caffè Florian stands as an enduring symbol of Venice’s rich history and cultural heritage. Its elegant rooms, adorned with period furniture, art, and mirrors, continue to transport visitors to a bygone era. The café’s reputation for exceptional service and quality coffee remains unblemished.
The menu at Caffè Florian features a wide array of coffee beverages, each prepared with precision and care. From classic espresso and cappuccino to more contemporary coffee creations, the café caters to a diverse range of coffee connoisseurs.
The Uniqueness of Caffè Florian
Caffè Florian’s allure lies not only in its history but also in its unique and enduring commitment to the art and cultural community. Its famous “Room of the Artists” remains a haven for creative minds, fostering conversation and collaboration. The café’s art exhibitions, literary events, and live classical music performances are an integral part of its identity.
The café’s central location on Piazza San Marco allows visitors to enjoy coffee while taking in the magnificent architecture, the bustling life of the square, and the harmonious sounds of live musicians playing within the café.
The Florian Experience
A visit to Caffè Florian is not just about the coffee; it’s an experience that transports you to an era of elegance, culture, and intellectual discourse. While sipping your coffee, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. The café’s outdoor seating offers the perfect spot for people-watching in one of Venice’s most iconic locations.
The Florian experience is a journey through time, a passage to an age when coffeehouses were the vibrant centers of intellectual and artistic exchange. It’s an invitation to sit, reflect, and appreciate the rich history of Venice and the enduring cultural significance of Caffè Florian.
