The first public coffee house located in mainland Europe reportedly opened its doors in Venice, Italy, in 1645. This began the long tradition of coffee culture which continues in Venice to this day. Green coffee beans were imported from Istanbul and roasted over open fires. The beverage was served spiced and unfiltered, sometimes under the name ‘Arabian wine’. Its status as an exotic brew made it appealing for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
The oldest surviving Venice cafe is Caffè Florian, which opened in St. Mark's Square on the 29th December, 1720. It originally bore the name Alla Venezia Trionfante (“Venice the Triumphant”), but was later renamed after its founder — Floriano Francesconi. At the time, it was considered quite unusual because women were allowed inside, unlike most other coffee houses!
