Italy’s importance, to the entry of coffee into Western Europe, is without challenge. Due to its geographic position in the Mediterranean, supported by some of the most aggressive maritime trading powers – Venice, Genoa, Pisa, Naples, Amalfi etc. – coffee was a natural product to be added to the existing trade.  Reputed to have first entered into Italy circa 1604, and with ever increasing demand, the first cafe on Italian soil opened in Venice in 1643, to great success. Though not standing today, it did set a precedent in Venetian culture, which fostered many cafes to exist.

The worlds longest surviving cafe is Florians, sited on St. Marks Square opposite Basilica San Marco.  Opening in 1722, Florian has served coffee to the public through a turbulent period of history and boasts many illuminaries of history as its coffee clients, including Cassanova.

Opposite on St. marks Square is Cafe Lavena and Cafe Quadri, which opened their doors a few years after Florians. All host sumptuous rich interiors of paneled wood, gilded mirrors, fine paintings and Murano glass chandeliers.

Elsewhere in Italy, many historic cafes exist today. One of the most loved, is Cafe Grecco in Rome. Situated near the Spanish Steps and opening in 1760, Cafe Grecco became the salon for many artists and musicians throughout history. Today Romans stand at the front bar for a quick espresso coffee and pastry, while those who want to linger and soak-up the rich atmosphere, sit inside the salon and take time to relax over coffee.

Italy hosts many exquisite historic cafes. Cafes such as – Cafe Platti in Turin, Cafe Zucca in Milan, Cafe Gilli in Florence, Cafe Gambrinus in Naples, plus hundreds more, are fine examples of a coffee era of bygone days. These are much loved by the Italian populace who frequent them as highly relevant cafes of today.