VENICE’S OLDEST CAFE IS ON THE VERGE OF BANKRUPTCY

The legendary Cafe Florian, which has become one of the main symbols of Venice, can close its doors to visitors forever. Despite the fact that on December 29, Florian celebrated its 300th anniversary, the damage from financial problems caused by the pandemic turned out to be irrecoverable.

“We do everything possible to keep the business afloat,” said the manager of the cafe, Marco Paolini. “We are working to stay open for as long as we can.”

The cafe was opened in San Marco Square in 1720 by Italian entrepreneur Floriano Francesconi (locals knew it as Floriano's). It has been a gathering place for locals, a tourist attraction, and a popular destination for celebrities for hundreds of years.

Recently, however, the Italian tourism industry has been experiencing a deep crisis.

According to Marco Paolini, the budget of café was literally "devastated". The brand's turnover in 2019 exceeded $ 10 million, but sales fell by 80% in 2020. In addition, the institution hasn’t received any government benefits since the first wave of the epidemic.

The cafe currently employs a staff of 70 people and additional employees during peak seasons.

"There are no prospects for now, we don't even know a reopening date. We are worried about the future,” adds Paolini. “Celebrating the 300th anniversary of a business with doors closed is a symbol of this crisis in Venice and in the cities of art, in general,” says Paolini. "This crisis is not only economic, but also historical in nature, as Florian is a piece of Italian history, known throughout the world."