Casanova. Lord Byron. Charles Dickens. Rousseau. Goethe. Daniele Manin. I guess that the last name won’t be known to non-Venetians:
17th of March 1848. Daniele Manin, one of the central figures in the Venetian war of independence (against the Austrian domination) was – on request of the Venetians – freed from prison and brought in Piazza San Marco where he showed himself to the citizens: on one of the tables in front of Caffè Florian. Later on, when the Austrian attacks weren’t anymore limited to the terraferma, but reached the laguna city, the Caffè Florian was transformed into a hospital to take care of the wounded.
Sure, that’s only a choice of prominent visitors who, since the founding year in 1720, frequented the oldest café in Venice. I have to admit that the prices in the Florian are pretty salty, but still: the stunning view over Piazza San Marco (and the paintings inside) is included.
In the summertime you can also enjoy open air live concert in the piazza in front of the café, but pay attention: the concert is not for free (just like in the other cafés along the Piazza San Marco), so better check the tariff before. (Be prepared for about 6€/person.)
As, in my opinion, the coffee is too expensive – even though I understand that the high rent at the piazza has to be paid somehow at the end of the month and even though the caffè is certainly of very good quality – I rather tried their different teas. A tea costs about 10€ – is served with a lovely cup, a teapot and extra hot water – and will “bestow” you about three cups that give you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.
Btw: I always went there without reservation and never had a problem to find a seat.
