Florence Renaissance Adventure with Friends

Florentine Echoes: Art, History, and Unexpected Discoveries

Today was a day of wandering through the heart of Florence, a city that continues to surprise me with its blend of the familiar and the unexpected. It's easy to get lost in the grandeur of the Renaissance, but today, I wanted to delve a little deeper, to find the hidden corners and lesser-known stories that give Florence its unique character. This city is like a layered symphony, each note resonating with history and art, waiting to be discovered.



Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Murales Bistro'. Greta and I shared a table outside, soaking in the morning sun while Kian was pointing out some cartoon characters in the murals. The coffee was strong, and the pastries were flaky and delicious – the perfect fuel for a day of exploration. Murales Bistro' is known for its quirky decor and creative food, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. I think it's a great place to start the day, especially if you are visiting the Santa Croce area.


Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at Murales Bistro – where culinary tradition meets modern charm in the heart of Florence.

From there, we strolled towards Piazza della Signoria, drawn by the allure of the Loggia dei Lanzi. Even though I've seen it countless times in pictures, standing beneath those wide arches is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air sculpture gallery, a testament to Florence's rich artistic heritage. The sculptures, each with its own story, seemed to come alive in the soft morning light. It's amazing to think that this space was once used to house Cosimo I's German mercenary pikemen, the Landsknechts, who were known as the 'Lanzi'. It seems like every corner of Florence has a tale to tell.


Discover the exquisite beauty and rich history of Loggia dei Lanzi, an iconic open-air gallery in Florence showcasing Renaissance masterpieces.

The beauty of Florence lies not just in its famous landmarks, but in the unexpected treasures hidden within its streets.

Next on our itinerary was the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence. Tucked away from the bustling tourist crowds, this hidden gem offered a profound insight into the history and culture of the Jewish community in Florence. The Synagogue, with its distinctive Moorish style, is a striking contrast to the Renaissance architecture that dominates the city. Inside, the walls are adorned with intricate mosaics and arabesques, highlighted with gold, creating a mesmerizing effect. It's a testament to the blend of cultures that have shaped Florence over the centuries.


Explore the rich Jewish heritage at the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence, a stunning architectural gem in the heart of the city.

The Jewish Museum, housed within the Synagogue, provided a moving journey through the history of the Florentine Jewish community. From ceremonial objects and historical photographs to personal stories of resilience and perseverance, the museum offered a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. I was particularly moved by the room dedicated to the memory of the Shoah, a somber reminder of the human cost of intolerance and hatred. Kian, being young, obviously didn't completely understand, but it was a gentle introduction to the fact that the world isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Greta, with her background as a librarian specializing in rare books, was particularly fascinated by the historical documents and manuscripts on display.



After a morning of cultural immersion, we were ready for lunch. We chose Casa del Vin Santo, enticed by its reputation for traditional Tuscan cuisine and its wide selection of wines. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. We started with a selection of Tuscan antipasti, followed by handmade pasta dishes bursting with flavor. Kian devoured his lasagna, while Greta and I savored the rich flavors of wild boar pasta. And of course, no meal at Casa del Vin Santo would be complete without a glass (or two) of Vin Santo, the sweet dessert wine that gives the restaurant its name.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Casa del Vin Santo in Florence - where traditional flavors meet modern culinary excellence.

In the afternoon, we ventured to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the first great basilica in Florence and the city's principal Dominican church. Its facade, a masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, is a testament to the harmonious blend of different styles and influences. The Basilica's interior is equally impressive, adorned with stunning frescoes by masters of Gothic and early Renaissance. The Basilica is called 'New St. Mary's' because the original church founded on this site in the ninth century was also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary before the Dominican friars were given possession of it early in the 1200's. The Basilica is also home to Masaccio's Trinity, a revolutionary work that showcases the artist's mastery of perspective and realism. It's a reminder of the city's central role in the development of Renaissance art. I found myself drawn to the Tombabuoni Chapel, with the famous frescoes painted from 1485 to 1490 by Domenico Ghirlandaio, whose apprentice was the young Michelangelo. The frescoes represent themes from the lives of the Virgin and John the Baptist and contain portrayals of several members of important Florentine families.


Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in Florence, rich in art, history, and spiritual significance.

As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Boutique Nadine. This charming boutique, located near the Ponte Vecchio, is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose yourself for hours, browsing through racks of carefully curated pieces from different eras. Greta, with her keen eye for fashion, was in her element, trying on vintage dresses and admiring the intricate details of antique jewelry. I was looking at some Leica cameras and lamps with bizarre shapes. Kian, however, was more interested in the shop's feline mascot, Leone, a playful cat who seemed to enjoy batting at the customers' ankles. We ended up leaving with a few unique finds, souvenirs that would remind us of our day of exploration in Florence.


Discover unique women's fashion and accessories at Boutique Nadine, a premier shopping destination in the heart of Florence, Italy.

Our day culminated in a delightful dinner at Osteria da Caterina, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Florentine cuisine and warm hospitality. We shared a table with a group of locals, who regaled us with stories of the city's history and culture. The food was hearty and delicious, from the handmade pasta dishes to the succulent Florentine steak. And of course, no meal at Osteria da Caterina would be complete without a glass (or two) of Chianti Classico, the iconic red wine of Tuscany. The place is beautiful and the staff are extremely friendly and attentive. The food was exceptional.


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

As we walked back to our accommodation, Il Terrazzino Sulla Cattedrale, the city was bathed in the soft glow of twilight. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meat. Florence, even after all these days, still feels like a dream.


Experience the heart of Florence at Il Terrazzino Sulla Cattedrale, where modern comforts meet historic charm just steps from iconic landmarks.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Medici Riccardi Palace, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and Piazza della Repubblica. We might even try to find the Bitter Bar for a nightcap. Until then, buona notte from Florence!



Today also marked the Florentine New Year, which is celebrated on March 25, following the ancient calendar used until 1750. I think that is very interesting and it gives one more reason to love this city! I also learned that Artex is transforming the city into a vast open-air workshop, which is really nice, and it is a great way to experience the city.