Caffè Florian: Italy’s Oldest Coffeehouse Since 1720

When you walk into a three-century-old coffeehouse, you’re not just buying a cup of coffee—you’re stepping into layers of art, politics, and music layered into the walls. But what makes Caffè Florian, open since 1720, still worth visiting today? And how did it become a hub for everyone from Goethe to Andy Warhol?

Caffè Florian, founded in 1720 in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, is the oldest continuously operating coffeehouse in Europe. It has hosted figures like Casanova, Goethe, and Dickens, and remains a cultural landmark with live music, historic décor, and global outposts including one in Suzhou’s New World Dada since 2015.

The Origins of Caffè Florian

Opened in 1720 under the original name Alla Venezia Trionfante (Venice Triumphant), Caffè Florian was soon renamed after its founder, Floriano Francesconi. What began as a modest two-room coffee shop evolved into a grand space adorned with 18th- and 19th-century frescoes, gilded frames, velvet drapes, and mosaic details. Over 295 years, it grew into a cultural institution, earning its own Italian postage stamp.

A Who’s Who of Historical Patrons

From its earliest days, Caffè Florian welcomed an eclectic mix: Venetian nobility, international diplomats, merchants, and artists. Notable regulars included playwright Carlo Goldoni (who visited as a boy), the infamous seducer Giacomo Casanova (one of the few cafés that admitted women), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (who wrote poetry here), Charles Dickens, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Russian pianist Anton Rubinstein, who performed Beethoven and Villa-Lobos. Between 1816 and 1819, Lord Byron and Percy Shelley were frequent visitors. Even Andy Warhol’s pop art was inspired by scenes here.

Music and the Birth of the Venice Biennale

Since the early 1900s, Caffè Florian has hosted live classical music performances, a tradition that continues with suited musicians playing in period dress. The café also played a pivotal role in art history. In 1893, Ricardo Selvatico conceived the idea of an international art exhibition while at Florian. Two years later, the first Venice Biennale launched—now the world’s most prestigious modern art event—with artists and critics often gathering in Florian’s Senate Room.

Caffè Florian Around the World

Beyond Venice, Caffè Florian expanded to Florence’s Parione district in 2006 (with a modern design but the same cultural ethos), and to global cities including Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall (2006), Dubai’s Gate Village (2008), London’s Harrods (2009), and in 2015, to Suzhou’s New World Dada. The Suzhou location spans three floors: modern styles on the 1st and 2nd, and a 7th-floor baroque hall with live orchestral performances, replicating the ambiance of its Venetian roots. All locations use imported Italian materials and traditional recipes.

Caffè Florian in Suzhou’s New World Dada

In Suzhou, Caffè Florian blends historic inspiration with local presence. The 1st and 2nd floors feature sleek, contemporary design, while the 7th floor is a faithful homage to Venice with ornate baroque styling and a stage for live orchestral music. The menu includes classic Italian coffee, desserts, and dishes, all prepared using imported Italian ingredients and heritage methods. The space invites visitors to experience 295 years of coffeehouse heritage.

Global Locations of Caffè Florian

• Piazza San Marco, Venice (est. 1720)
• Via del Parione, Florence (est. 2006)
• Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi (est. 2006)
• Gate Village, Dubai (est. 2008)
• Harrods, London (est. 2009)
• New World Dada, Suzhou (est. 2015)

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Caffè Florian founded?

Caffè Florian was founded in 1720 in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square under the original name Alla Venezia Trionfante, and was soon renamed after its founder, Floriano Francesconi.

Why is Caffè Florian famous?

It is the oldest continuously operating coffeehouse in Europe, known for its historic décor, cultural legacy, and patronage by figures like Goethe, Casanova, and Dickens.

Where is the original Caffè Florian located?

The original and flagship location is in Venice’s Piazza San Marco, which opened in 1720.

Does Caffè Florian still operate in Venice?

Yes, the original café remains active in Venice and is considered a historic and cultural landmark.

When did Caffè Florian open in Suzhou?

Caffè Florian opened in Suzhou’s New World Dada in 2015, its first location in Asia.

What makes the Suzhou Caffè Florian location unique?

The Suzhou branch features both modern and 7th-floor baroque-style spaces with live orchestral music, replicating Venice’s historic ambience using imported Italian materials.

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