A Solo Journey Through the Heart of Renaissance Florence

A Fond Farewell to Florence

As my Florentine adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the myriad experiences that have enriched my soul this past week. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the captivating art and the delectable cuisine, Florence has truly exceeded my expectations. Today, I set out to explore a few more hidden gems, eager to absorb every last drop of this city's enchanting atmosphere.

My day began with a visit to the Basilica di Santo Spirito, a serene sanctuary designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Located on the south side of the Arno River, the exterior was quite unassuming, but I ventured inside, eager to discover the treasures it held. As I stepped through the doors, I was immediately struck by the stark contrast to the heavily decorated Gothic churches I had previously visited. The interior possessed a quiet simplicity, allowing the Renaissance architecture and carefully curated artworks to speak for themselves. Wandering through the basilica, I found myself drawn to a small entrance along the left-hand side. For a small fee, I gained access to the Chiostro dei Morti, the Cloister of the Dead. This hidden gem proved to be a highlight of my visit. The cloister was beautifully designed, with arched columns framing a serene garden. Lining the walls were fascinating tombstones adorned with memento mori, including skulls, winged hourglasses, and skeletons. One particular tombstone, that of Marianna Cammilla, depicted the deceased on her death bed, with a skeleton holding a scythe looking down upon her. It was a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life.


Discover the architectural marvel and artistic treasures of Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence, a serene escape into Renaissance history and culture.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

Next on my itinerary was the Museo Novecento, a modern art museum dedicated to 20th-century Italian art. I was eager to immerse myself in a different artistic era, leaving the Renaissance behind, and delving into the works of more contemporary artists. The museum itself is housed in a beautifully renovated complex in Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The collection featured paintings by Filippo de Pisis, Giorgio Morandi, and Renato Guttuso, among others. I was particularly moved by the works from the Della Ragione collection, which were donated to the city after the devastating Florence flood of 1966. It was inspiring to see how art could emerge from tragedy and serve as a symbol of resilience and hope. I was particularly interested to see five works by top twentieth-century artists recently restored by the Advancing Women Artists Foundation on permanent display. The View from Olevano by Antonietta Raphael Mafai, her life-sized bronze sculpture Maternity and her portrait of Emilio Jesi were particularly interesting.


Explore the best of 20th-century modern art at Museo Novecento, a cultural gem in the heart of Florence, Italy.

As a librarian, I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit the Florence National Central Library. I was eager to explore its vast collection of books and manuscripts, and to learn more about its history and significance. Founded in 1714, the library boasts an impressive collection of over six million books, as well as countless pamphlets, autographs, magazines, and manuscripts. As I wandered through the reading rooms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the wealth of knowledge contained within those walls. I imagined the countless scholars, writers, and thinkers who had spent time in this very place, poring over ancient texts and shaping the course of history. The library itself is a beautiful building, designed by Cesare Bazzani and V. Mazzei, and located along the Arno River. It was originally housed in the Uffizi Gallery, before being moved to its current location in 1935. Sadly, the Arno River flood in 1966 damaged nearly one-third of the library's holdings.


Discover the enchanting Florence National Central Library, a cultural gem housing Italy's literary treasures amidst stunning architecture.

Before heading back to the hotel, I decided to indulge in a final Florentine culinary experience. For breakfast, I visited Caffè Gilli, a historic café in Piazza della Repubblica. Established in 1733, Caffè Gilli exudes an old-world charm, with its elegant interior, marble countertops, and frescoed ceilings. I savored a cappuccino and a pastry, while soaking in the atmosphere and watching the world go by. What a treat it was to sit in this space, thinking of all the guests who have visited over the past three hundred years!


Experience timeless elegance at Caffè Gilli in Florence – where every sip and bite tells a story steeped in tradition.

For lunch, I chose Coquinarius, a charming bistrot near the Duomo. The restaurant is known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. I enjoyed a delicious pasta dish, accompanied by a glass of Chianti, while soaking in the cozy ambiance. The slow cooked egg (63°) with pecorino cream and topinambur was absolutely delicious!


Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Coquinarius in Florence - where tradition meets modern taste in a cozy setting.

For my final dinner in Florence, I decided to splurge on a fine dining experience at Ristorante Santa Elisabetta. Located in a 12th-century Byzantine tower, the restaurant offers an intimate and elegant setting, with only a handful of tables. I opted for the chef's tasting menu, a nine-course culinary journey that showcased the best of Florentine cuisine. Each dish was a work of art, both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The service was impeccable, and the sommelier was happy to recommend wine pairings for each course. What a memorable way to end my Florentine adventure!


Experience exquisite Italian cuisine at Ristorante Santa Elisabetta in Florence—where tradition meets modern elegance for an unforgettable dining experience.

As the sun began to set, I made my way to Bitter Bar, a trendy cocktail bar in the Sant'Ambrogio district. I had heard about their innovative and creative cocktails, and I was eager to try one for myself. The bar had a cool, speakeasy vibe, with dim lighting, jazz music, and a long list of intriguing cocktails. I opted for one of their signature drinks, a concoction of gin, Campari, and vermouth, with a twist of orange. It was the perfect way to cap off my final night in Florence. It was no surprise that the place is located right in Via di Mezzo, which with its name, fully recalls the philosophy of the concept bar: to create drinks that hook the past and the future in what regards mixing techniques, ingredients and recipes, but, above all, to transfer the gastronomic approach to the preparation of cocktails.


Discover Bitter Bar in Florence – where inventive cocktails and a lively atmosphere create an unforgettable night out.

As I pack my bags and prepare to leave Florence tomorrow, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. This solo journey has been an incredible experience, allowing me to immerse myself in the art, culture, and history of this remarkable city. I have discovered hidden gems, savored delicious cuisine, and connected with the spirit of the Renaissance. Florence, you have captured my heart, and I know I will return someday.

Maxim Axial, I cannot wait to see you both back in Heidelberg and tell you all about my amazing adventure!

Tomorrow marks the end of my trip, and I'll be heading back to Heidelberg. I am already looking forward to seeing my family and sharing all of my experiences with them.