Caffè Florian

On.the.Road

Venice's Piazza San Marco is always filled with travelers and the music flowing out of the cafes to welcome them. Among these, the place that attracts the most attention is Italy's oldest cafe, Caffè Florian. Known for its regulars like Goethe, Byron, and the infamous Venetian Casanova, its exterior exudes an antique and elegant charm. Opened in 1720, it underwent several expansions and restorations, and each room has a name representing its unique characteristics. Unfortunately, I only saw the interior from outside and did not get the chance to sit down and enjoy a coffee. In Italy, enjoying a good coffee at a reasonable price is something I look forward to, but this usually applies to drinking at the bar. Sitting at a table incurs a price five times higher, making it somewhat burdensome. Moreover, being the first cafe in Italy, Florian's prices are higher than other cafes even for bar service, and the coffee taste is somewhat disappointing. Despite nearing closure on its 300th anniversary, Caffè Florian was advanced for its time, even in the conservative mid-18th century by allowing women to enter. During festival periods in Venice, everyone dresses up in traditional costumes and masks, offering a time-travel experience at Caffè Florian, a tradition that I hope continues.