Venetian Caffe Florian is notwithstanding an essential presence under the Procuratie Nuove, the emblematic dwellings located in a horseshoe shape in Piazza San Marco, the beating heart of the ancient Serenissima, as the Republic of Venice was called. Considered by the Venetians as the oldest Café in Europe according to a modern conception, it is undoubtedly one of the main symbols of the city itself. It was inaugurated on 29th December 1720 by Floriano Francesconi as “Alla Venezia Trionfante”, though soon became known as Caffè Florian in honour of its owner.