Cultural Immersion in the Heart of Florence

Reflections on a Florentine Sunday

Today was a day of deep dives into the heart of Florence, a city that continues to enchant me with its blend of artistic heritage and vibrant modern life. It’s funny, isn’t it? How a place can feel both timeless and utterly present all at once. I rose early, eager to make the most of our Sunday itinerary, and Florence certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began, as most good days do, with a delightful breakfast at the Winter Garden Restaurant. Located within the St. Regis Florence, the Winter Garden is an elegant setting. The ambiance was lovely and the piano music was especially pleasing. The restaurant is known for its Mediterranean cuisine. After breakfast, fueled by strong coffee and anticipation, we set out to explore the Basilica of Santa Croce.


Discover the enchanting flavors of Italy at Winter Garden Restaurant in Florence – where tradition meets modern elegance.

The Basilica of Santa Croce: A Pantheon of Italian Glories

The Basilica of Santa Croce was our first stop. As we approached, the neo-Gothic facade was striking against the clear morning sky. Inside, the basilica felt vast and serene. The austere interior was a shock after the magnificent neo-Gothic facade. The Basilica is the principal Franciscan church in Florence. I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the place, and then by the realization that I was walking among the tombs of some of history's most influential figures. Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli – to stand in their presence, even in this way, was a humbling experience. Saoirse, wide-eyed, peppered me with questions about each of them, and I did my best to offer snippets of their lives and legacies. It's moments like these, sharing history with her, that make these trips so special.


Explore the breathtaking Basilica of Santa Croce, a Gothic masterpiece in Florence, home to great thinkers and stunning Renaissance art.

The Basilica is known as the Temple of Italian Glories because it is the burial site of notable Italians. We paid our respects at the burial sites of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Art is never finished, only abandoned.

The chapels within the basilica were adorned with frescoes, most notably those by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels. Although some were better preserved than others, they offered a glimpse into the artistic styles of the 14th century. We spent a good amount of time simply wandering, taking in the atmosphere and appreciating the artistry that surrounded us. It was fascinating to observe the intricate designs and beautiful paintings that seemed to adorn every inch of the walls and ceilings.

Before leaving Santa Croce, we explored the leather shops nearby, drawn in by the promise of authentic Florentine craftsmanship. I’ve always been a sucker for a good leather bag, and Florence is renowned for its leather goods. I was on the hunt for a new handbag, something that would serve as a lasting memento of this trip. We popped into Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique. The shop had a wide array of leather goods. I was looking for a high-quality, handmade bag. I examined the aroma, suppleness and stitching of the bags. After much deliberation, I finally selected a beautiful shoulder bag. Buying from an artisan is a very personal experience. I chose a bag that was 100% genuine Italian leather. The leather should feel smooth, supple and soft, not stiff. The stitching should be tight and regular, with small stitches sewn close together. The shop assistant told me that the leather industry in Italy is apparently largely owned by the Chinese. I was happy to support a local artisan.


Experience the artistry of Italian leather at Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique, a must-visit destination for luxury shoppers in Florence.

Interactive Genius at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Next on our list was the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum, a complete change of pace but equally enriching. This museum is located in the heart of Florence. After the solemnity of Santa Croce, the interactive museum offered a playful, engaging experience. Saoirse was thrilled, and to be honest, so was I. The museum is an interactive museum and, above all, very dynamic, where you can interact with the different objects and learn a lot. The museum showcases da Vinci’s greatest creations and teaches about his incredible contributions to the fields of art and science.


Explore the innovative world of Leonardo da Vinci at the Interactive Museum in Florence, where art meets science through engaging exhibits.

The museum was filled with models of Leonardo's inventions, brought to life in a way that allowed us to touch, explore, and truly understand their mechanics. From flying machines to war contraptions, it was fascinating to see the breadth of his genius. Saoirse spent ages at the workstation where she could construct a self-supporting bridge. It was a joy to watch her so engrossed in figuring out the puzzle, a testament to the museum's ability to spark curiosity and learning. Even Hans was impressed, remarking on how forward-thinking da Vinci was for his time.

Piazza del Duomo: The Heart of Florence

Our afternoon culminated at the Piazza del Duomo. Fortunately, the weather was pleasant. The square was bustling with activity, a vibrant mix of locals and tourists all drawn to the architectural marvels that define Florence. The Duomo, with its magnificent dome, dominated the skyline. We took our time admiring the Campanile di Giotto and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, each a masterpiece in its own right. The Piazza del Duomo represents the grandeur of the city during the Renaissance.


Explore the architectural splendor and vibrant atmosphere of Florence's iconic Piazza del Duomo, a cultural gem in the heart of the city.

As we wandered, we stumbled upon a local artisan fair, adding an unexpected layer to our experience. Stalls lined the square, showcasing everything from handmade jewelry to local delicacies. I picked up a few small gifts for friends back in Berlin, while Saoirse insisted on trying a gelato from a nearby vendor. It was the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere of the square.

There were no specific events taking place at Piazza del Duomo today, but there are often musical performances and cultural events in the square.

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Tuscany

Of course, no day in Florence would be complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. For lunch, we opted for Il Palagio, nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel Florence. The Michelin starred restaurant offers impeccable service together with a refined and elegant ambient. The setting was elegant, and the service impeccable. We enjoyed dishes with bright, sharp, sweet and limpid flavors. Il Palagio is known for its use of seasonal ingredients from Tuscany and the Tyrrhenian sea. The food was excellent. I tried the lobster tail, served with fish mayonnaise, apple and fermented blueberries. The lobster was precisely cooked, succulent and very sweet.


Experience unparalleled fine dining at Il Palagio in Florence, where traditional Italian cuisine meets modern culinary excellence.

Dinner was at Saporium Firenze, another Michelin-starred restaurant, this one centered around contemporary Tuscan cuisine and a farm-to-plate philosophy. This was a high-quality cooking experience. We appreciated the restaurant's focus on local and seasonal ingredients, and each dish was a work of art. Saporium offers a preset menu which is a must-try. The service was attentive. The restaurant has a terrace which is perfectly suited for enjoying an outdoor meal comfortably. The atmosphere was beautiful. It was the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and discovery.


Experience fine dining at Saporium Firenze – where traditional Tuscan cuisine meets modern culinary artistry along the Arno River.

One of the great things about travel is you find out how many good, kind people there are.

As I sit here now, writing in the comfort of our hotel room, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences of today. Florence has a way of seeping into your soul, leaving you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see David, the San Marco Museum, and the Loggia dei Lanzi. I’m particularly excited about seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece up close. But for now, I’ll rest and dream of the art, history, and flavors that made this Florentine Sunday so unforgettable.

I'm so glad I remembered to pack my travel guidebook, but I really wish I hadn't forgotten my adapter for the Italian power outlets! I had to buy one today.

Goodnight from Florence!