Venice has a rich history in social matters. But the richest city's, Cafe Florin, is another famous cafe in itself. Apart from this, no other famous and old cafe can be found in Venice. Although the famous 300-year-old cafe could not be closed down by the two world wars, it was closed down by Covid.
"We are working with the objective of not shutting down as much as possible."
The cafe, which has been crumbling since the first phase of the corona virus, has recently decided to close, citing problems in raising its expenses. The cafe offers 18th-century decorations, views of the sunrise and other historic palaces.
As the oldest cafe in Italy and the world, it recently celebrated its 300th anniversary on December 29 without much fanfare. Celebrated in 2010 with a huge party and live concert on its 290th anniversary, the cafe was already popular with celebrity customers from Charles Dickens to Andy Warhol.
But due to the Corona epidemic, it had a major impact on tourism. ‘We do our best to keep this business alive,’ says Market Paolini, managing director of the cafe. "We are working with the objective of not shutting down as much as possible."
The cafe was founded in 1720 in San Marco Square. Which was opened by Italian entrepreneur Floriano Francesconi. Whose local name was Florio. It was a perfect gathering place for the locals at that time. Later, even tourists began to be attracted to it.
The same cafe was chosen in 1895 to pay tribute to King Umberto and Queen Margherita. Later, scenes from Hollywood movies were shot here. In which Hollywood actors Matt Damon and Katherine acted. Marcel Prost and Charles Dickens were regular customers of the cafe. Literary Friedrich Nietzsche, Casanova and comedian Charlie Chaplin were also regular customers of the cafe.
The red velvet chair, the marble table, and the golden leaf-covered walls are adorned with centuries-old artwork by Italian masters Antonio Pascutti, Giuseppe Ponga and Cesar Rota. "We can't walk anymore," she said. The epidemic has affected everyone but we have reached a point where we are unable to benefit from various facilities.
The cafe's total turnover was more than 10 million in 2019, but has dropped by 80 percent in 2020. The cafe administration has stated that it has not received any assistance from the state since the first lockdown started.
"The cafe is not dead yet. It is running on the support of shareholders and loans from banks, even if it is certain to die. But it is not going to last long, "said Paolini. We have no chance to operate it now. It is unknown that when this cafe is going to be opened for the customer again. The cafe currently has 70 staff members. In addition, there are staff who call only when something is needed.
Recently, the Italian post office made a stamp commemorating the centenary of the cafe despite the struggles. The stamp sketch was done by Italian artist Rita Fantini. In the background of which there is a bizarre depiction of a cafe with a palace.
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