Family Cultural Exploration in Florence

A Day Immersed in Florentine Culture

Today was a whirlwind of art, history, and Florentine charm. Florence continues to captivate me with its blend of Renaissance grandeur and everyday life. From the masterpieces of sculpture to the lively atmosphere of its piazzas, every corner holds a new discovery. Today was about soaking in the artistic heart of the city, and enjoying some great food and drinks along the way.

Our day began, as most do, with a hearty breakfast. We ventured out to Cuculia, a restaurant known for its contemporary cuisine. I opted for the tasting menu, excited to try a variety of dishes, while Greta enjoyed a selection of pastries. Kian, of course, chose the chocolate croissant, a familiar favorite to fuel his morning adventures. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, a perfect start to a day of exploration. I must say, it was a welcome change from the usual hotel breakfast, and the pastries were delightful. This culinary experience set the tone for a day filled with cultural and gastronomic delights.


Discover Cuculia in Florence: A delightful fusion of exquisite cuisine and literary treasures awaits you.

With our appetites sated, we made our way to the Museo Nazionale del Bargello. This museum, housed in one of Florence's oldest buildings, is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures. As a restorer of historical musical instruments, I am always drawn to the craftsmanship of the past, and the Bargello did not disappoint. The building itself has quite the history, having served as a palace, a prison, and even a site for executions!


Discover the artistic heritage of Florence at Museo Nazionale del Bargello, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello.

The Bargello is often overshadowed by the Uffizi and the Accademia, but I think it’s a must-see for anyone interested in sculpture. We spent hours wandering through the rooms, marveling at the works of Donatello, Michelangelo, and other masters. Donatello's David, with its unique bronze form, was particularly striking. Kian was fascinated by the armor and weaponry on display, imagining himself as a Renaissance knight. Greta, with her librarian's eye for detail, appreciated the intricate details of the sculptures and the stories they told. The museum has an amazing collection of 16th-century sculptures, and I was really impressed with the bronze animals from the Medici Villa of Castello.

Leaving the Bargello, we headed towards the Opera del Duomo Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and art of the Florence Cathedral, and it houses an incredible collection of sculptures, paintings, and architectural models. The highlight for me was the Sala del Paradiso, which recreates the original façade of the Cathedral. It gave me a sense of the grandeur and ambition of the original design. It's amazing to see the evolution of the Duomo over the centuries, and the museum does an excellent job of telling that story.


Explore the artistic legacy of Florence at the Opera del Duomo Museum, home to masterpieces and breathtaking views of the iconic Duomo.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Greta was particularly moved by Michelangelo's Pietà Bandini, one of three Pietà sculptures he created. It's a powerful and emotional work, and it was fascinating to see the tool marks left by Michelangelo himself. Kian, surprisingly, was captivated by the Galleria dei Modelli, which features wooden models for the new façade of the Cathedral. The museum is home to over 750 works of art detailing 720 years of history, and it really shows the importance of the Cathedral to Florence.

After immersing ourselves in art, we decided to take a stroll through Piazza della Repubblica. This square, one of the main squares in Florence, has a rich history, dating back to Roman times. It was once the site of the city's forum, and later, the old ghetto. Today, it's a lively space filled with cafes, shops, and street performers. The square was very busy with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the ambiance. We paused for a coffee at one of the cafes, soaking in the atmosphere and watching the world go by.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Repubblica, Florence's iconic square filled with history, culture, and lively street performances.

The Colonna dell'Abbondanza, or Column of Abundance, marks the spot where the cardus and decumanus maximi met, and where the Roman forum stood. The present column dates to 1431, but the statue on top is a copy, with the original visible at a local bank. Kian loved the carousel in the square, begging us for a ride. We relented, and he spent a happy few minutes going up and down on a brightly painted horse. It was a classic tourist moment, but one we all enjoyed.

For lunch, we chose Osteria da Caterina, a steakhouse known for its traditional Florentine dishes. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the aroma of grilled meat filled the air. I opted for the Fiorentina steak, a local specialty, while Greta chose the lasagna. Kian, predictably, went for the pasta with tomato sauce. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, and the lasagna was rich and satisfying. The restaurant is close to the Duomo, and is known for its traditional dishes. After our meal, we were all very happy and ready for the next part of our adventure.


Discover the authentic flavors of Tuscany at Osteria da Caterina in Florence – where traditional Italian cuisine meets warm hospitality.

As evening approached, we decided to explore Florence's nightlife. We stopped by The Hidden Pub, a gastropub known for its local craft beers. The pub had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing drink. I sampled a few of the local beers, while Greta enjoyed a glass of wine. Kian, of course, had a juice box. The pub is known for its friendly staff and great selection of beers. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.


Experience the unique blend of local craft beers and delicious cuisine at The Hidden Pub, a charming gastropub in the heart of Florence.

For dinner, we had reservations at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and extensive wine list. This was a splurge, but one we felt was worth it for a special occasion. The restaurant is located in a vintage building on an ancient Florentine side street. The decor is traditional and elegant, with high ceilings and cream-colored walls. Greta was particularly impressed with the wine cellar, which houses over 70,000 bottles.


Experience exquisite fine dining at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence—where Italian tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a series of innovative and beautifully presented dishes. Each course was a work of art, and the flavors were complex and surprising. The service was impeccable, and the sommelier guided us through the extensive wine list, recommending pairings for each course. Kian was surprisingly well-behaved, enjoying the attention from the staff and the novelty of the experience. Enoteca Pinchiorri is definitely a restaurant for a special occasion, as it is quite expensive. The tasting menus are around €375-€390 per person, and that doesn't include wine. It was an experience that we won't soon forget.

As we walked back to Hotel Medici, the city was quiet and peaceful. The Ponte Vecchio glowed in the moonlight, and the Arno River reflected the city lights. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. I am so glad that Greta and Kian are here to experience it with me. It’s amazing to see Florence through their eyes, and to share these moments with them.


Discover the charm of Florence at Hotel Medici, where comfort meets convenience in a prime city-center location. Ideal for tourists and travelers alike.

Tomorrow, our last day in Florence, we plan to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Giardino Bardini. We also plan to do some leather shopping before heading to the airport. It is going to be a busy, but exciting day. I am looking forward to seeing the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, as it is known for its stunning architecture and art. Piazzale Michelangelo should offer panoramic views of the city, and the Giardino Bardini is a beautiful garden with a rich history. I am also excited to find some quality leather goods, as Florence is known for its leather industry. As our trip comes to an end, I am already looking forward to our next adventure. Until tomorrow!