Emma Morano received a greeting from Italy's president, read by an official, and a visit from two elderly nieces and her long-time physician on Tuesday morning to mark the milestone birthday.
She patiently responded to a series of questions from journalists and accepted some gifts, including cookies.
Then she blew out the candles on her cake - not one for every year, but three numerals to show her age, 117.
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Another party, including cake, was planned for the afternoon, after a nap.
Ms Morano, who is believed to be the last surviving person in the world born in the 1800s, became the oldest living person in May.
