A Family Adventure in the Heart of Florence

Echoes of the Renaissance

Today was a deep dive into the heart of Florence, a day where every corner held a story and every stone whispered secrets of the past. From the grandeur of a historic basilica to the vibrant pulse of a famous piazza, and finally, to the artistic treasures housed within ancient walls, Florence unveiled its soul to me. Come along as I share the day’s adventures, filled with art, history, and the tantalizing tastes of Italy.

Our day began, as most good days in Florence should, with breakfast at Caffè Gilli. This historic café, established in 1733, exudes old-world charm. Sipping on a cappuccino while indulging in a freshly baked pastry, I felt transported back in time. The café's rich history and elegant ambiance provided the perfect start to a day of exploration with my family. It’s these little moments, soaking in the atmosphere of a place steeped in history, that make traveling so special.


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

Fueled by caffeine and pastries, our first stop was the Basilica of Santa Croce. This magnificent basilica is not only a stunning example of Gothic architecture but also a pantheon of Italian greats. As we walked through its hallowed halls, I was struck by the sheer number of famous Italians buried here. Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli – it felt like walking among giants. The sheer scale of the basilica was awe-inspiring, and the intricate details of the stained-glass windows and frescoes left me breathless. It is the largest Franciscan church in the world. The Basilica di Santa Croce was constructed around 1294 in marshlands originally outside the city walls. Inside, the tombs and monuments were a testament to Florence's rich cultural heritage. Each tomb had a story to tell, a life to celebrate. Eglė was particularly moved by the monument to Dante, even though his body rests in Ravenna. The basilica itself is an Egyptian cross, with an open timber roof. As I wandered through the chapels, I was struck by the artistic legacy of the Basilica, with frescoes by Giotto and his followers adorning the walls. These artworks offered a glimpse into the medieval world, telling stories of faith and devotion.


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

The beauty of Florence lies not just in its art, but in the stories etched into its very stones.

Leaving the Basilica of Santa Croce, we made our way to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. This bustling square is an open-air museum, filled with statues and sculptures that celebrate the city's history and power. The most prominent feature of the piazza is the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall, which still houses the mayor's office. The square dates back to classical antiquity, but it only started to resemble its present shape from about 1268. The Fountain of Neptune stood proudly in the piazza, a symbol of Florence's maritime ambitions. The copy of Michelangelo's David stood tall, a reminder of the city's artistic prowess. Around the piazza, we admired the Loggia dei Lanzi, an arcaded structure housing classical and Renaissance sculptures. The Piazza della Signoria is one of the most iconic public squares in Florence. With its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture surrounding an open-air sculpture museum, this piazza encapsulates the passion, politics, and art of Florence. As we strolled through the square, we were surrounded by a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, all drawn to the beauty and energy of this historic space.


Experience the timeless beauty and vibrant culture of Piazza della Signoria, a historic square that embodies the spirit of Florence.

For lunch, we ventured to Buca dell'Orafo, a charming little restaurant tucked away near the Ponte Vecchio. This cozy spot is known for its traditional Florentine cuisine, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food was simply divine. I savored every bite of the *arista di maiale con patate* (roast pork loin with potatoes), while James enjoyed the *paglia e fieno alla boscaiola* (a hay and straw mix of both egg and spinach fettuccine in mushroom-meat sauce). Eglė, always the adventurous one, tried the *ribollita*, a hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, and declared it delicious. It was the perfect midday meal, a taste of authentic Florence that left us feeling satisfied and ready for more exploration.


Discover Buca dell'Orafo: An enchanting restaurant in Florence offering authentic Tuscan dishes within a charming cellar setting.

Our afternoon was dedicated to the Bargello National Museum, housed in a formidable medieval palace. This museum is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures, including masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Verrocchio. From the moment of its foundation, the Bargello's collection brought together some of the most important works of Renaissance sculpture. The Bargello, also known as the Palazzo del Bargello or Palazzo del Popolo, is a former public building and police headquarters, later a prison, in Florence, Italy. As we wandered through the museum's halls, we were surrounded by the artistic genius of the Renaissance. Donatello's David, with its youthful grace and quiet confidence, was a particular highlight. Michelangelo's Bacchus was another standout, its depiction of a drunken and staggering Bacchus showcasing the artist's mastery of human anatomy. The Bargello Museum opened in 1865, displaying the largest Italian collection of Gothic and Renaissance sculptures. The Bargello Museums constitute the most important collection of Italian sculpture in the world. The museum also features a collection of decorative arts, including ivories, ceramics, and textiles, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the material culture of the Renaissance. It is the primary national collection for Italian Renaissance sculpture. Eglė was fascinated by the arms and armors hall. The Bargello proved to be a treasure trove of art and history, a place where the spirit of the Renaissance came alive.


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

As evening approached, we sought out Mad - Souls & Spirits, a small bar in the Oltrarno neighborhood known for its innovative cocktails. This quirky spot was a welcome change of pace after a day of museums and monuments. The bartenders were passionate about their craft, and their creative concoctions were both delicious and visually stunning. The menu is divided into three parts—Soul Warmers, A Fistful of Dollars, and Fabulous Spirits. I opted for one of their signature cocktails, while James enjoyed a classic Negroni. The bar had a laid-back atmosphere, and the music was a mix of old and new. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. It feels like a sports bar but with no TV, Mad does everything but Aperol Spritz. Mad - Souls & Spirits is for those who love experimental cocktails in a fun, unpretentious environment.


Discover Mad - Souls & Spirits, where innovative cocktails meet a vibrant nightlife in the heart of Florence.

For dinner, we had reservations at La Giostra, a renowned Florentine restaurant owned by a Habsburg Lorena Prince. The restaurant is managed by his family. The atmosphere was elegant and romantic, and the food was exquisite. To start, we shared the beef carpaccio and the burrata cheese. For mains, I had the ravioli with pecorino cheese and Williams pear, while James opted for the tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms. Eglė, of course, had to try the *bistecca fiorentina*, a massive T-bone steak cooked to perfection. Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition. The restaurant is taylor made for american tourist, meaning; poor service, below average food and 30% overpriced. The tomatoes were fresh and crispy and had a slight drizzle of olive oil and balsamic that just brought out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, and didn't overpower at all. As we savored our meal, we were surrounded by the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.


Discover La Giostra: A premier Tuscan restaurant in Florence offering authentic Italian cuisine amidst enchanting surroundings.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, immersing ourselves in the opulence of the Medici dynasty. I'm particularly excited to see the Giardino Bardini. I can't wait to see what other treasures Florence has in store for us!

As I reflect on today, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Florence. This city has a way of captivating the soul, of leaving an indelible mark on the heart. I am so glad that I could share this experience with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Florence, you have stolen a piece of my heart, and I know I will be back someday to reclaim it.