Family Cultural Adventure in the Heart of Florence

A Day of Renaissance Wonders

Today was a sensory feast, a deep dive into the heart of Florence's artistic and culinary soul. From the sculptures of the Bargello National Museum to the breathtaking panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo, every moment felt like stepping back in time and soaking in the essence of the Renaissance. Join me as I recount a day filled with art, beauty, and the flavors of Tuscany.

Our day began, as many good days do, with coffee and pastries at Caffè Gilli. A Florentine institution since 1733, it exudes old-world charm. The aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with the rich scent of espresso, creating a symphony of smells that set the perfect tone for the day. Aoife opted for a cappuccino, while Liam and I shared a selection of miniature pastries – each a tiny work of art in itself. The pastries were delightful, the service impeccable, and the people-watching superb. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the city, a hub for locals and tourists alike.


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

Fueled and ready, we headed to our first destination: the Bargello National Museum. This imposing palace, once a prison, now houses an extraordinary collection of Renaissance sculptures. As an antiques dealer, I'm always drawn to the tangible connection to the past that these objects provide. The Bargello didn't disappoint. The building itself is impressive, dating back to 1255, and its history as a palace, police headquarters, and prison adds layers of intrigue to the experience.


Explore the Bargello National Museum, a treasure trove of Renaissance art in Florence, showcasing masterpieces by Donatello and Michelangelo in a historic setting.

The collection is primarily focused on Tuscan Renaissance sculpture, with masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and the Della Robbia family. Donatello’s David was a particular highlight. The androgynous bronze figure is captivating. Michelangelo's Drunken Bacchus was another standout, showcasing the artist's early mastery of the human form. Aoife, with her librarian's eye for detail, was fascinated by the collection of medieval French ivories and the intricate designs of the Italian majolica pottery.

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

Leaving the Bargello, we made our way to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. Of course, the main attraction here is Michelangelo's David. I'd seen countless images of it, but nothing prepares you for the sheer scale and presence of the sculpture in person. Standing before it, I was struck by the incredible detail, the power of the pose, and the sense of humanism that emanates from the marble. It's a truly awe-inspiring work of art, a testament to the genius of Michelangelo.


Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home to Michelangelo's iconic David and more.

While David is undoubtedly the star of the Accademia, the gallery also houses a remarkable collection of paintings by Florentine artists, mostly from the period 1300–1600. These paintings provided a fascinating context for understanding the artistic milieu in which Michelangelo worked. The gallery also has a collection of musical instruments, which Aoife found particularly interesting.

After immersing ourselves in art, it was time for lunch. We chose Buca dell'Orafo, a small, unassuming restaurant tucked away near the Ponte Vecchio. The name 'Orafo' means goldsmith, which is a nod to the neighborhood's history as a center for gold workshops. The restaurant is located in a cellar, adding to its cozy and intimate atmosphere. The menu features traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. I decided on the Florentine steak, a massive T-bone grilled to perfection. Liam, ever the adventurous eater, opted for the ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup that's a Tuscan specialty. Aoife chose the pasta with peas, a simple yet delicious dish that highlighted the freshness of the ingredients. The food was outstanding, the service friendly, and the atmosphere charming. It felt like stepping into a local's secret, a hidden gem away from the tourist crowds.


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

With our bellies full, we set off for Piazzale Michelangelo. The climb to the top was a bit of a workout, but the reward was well worth the effort. From the Piazzale, you have a panoramic view of Florence. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio stood out against the backdrop of the rolling Tuscan hills. The winter light cast a golden glow over the city, creating a magical scene. It was the perfect spot to reflect on the day's adventures and to appreciate the beauty of Florence.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.

There were quite a few people milling about, enjoying the view, and several street performers adding to the ambiance. I even spotted a few familiar statues – replicas of Michelangelo's David and the Medici Chapels sculptures – serving as a reminder of the artistic treasures we'd encountered earlier in the day.

Before dinner, we decided to do a little shopping. Liam needed a new scarf, so we stopped at Massimo Ravinale - Foulard e Accessori esclusivi, Made In Italy. The shop was filled with beautiful silk scarves and accessories, all made in Italy. The designs were exquisite, and the quality was superb. Liam found a scarf he loved, and Aoife couldn't resist buying a silk scarf for herself.


Explore exclusive Italian fashion accessories at Massimo Ravinale, where elegance meets craftsmanship in the heart of Florence.

For our final culinary experience of the day, we had dinner at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River. The ambiance was elegant, and the service was impeccable. The menu featured creative interpretations of classic Italian dishes. I started with the scallops served on a warm rock, followed by the tempura red mullet fillets. Aoife enjoyed the tagliatelle with sea urchins, while Liam savored the tasting menu. The food was exquisite, the wine list extensive, and the overall experience unforgettable.


Discover the epitome of fine dining in Florence at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, where traditional Italian cuisine meets modern elegance.

“The trouble with Italy is, you start out for Rome and end up in Florence.” – Kurt Vonnegut

As the day drew to a close, we strolled along the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio shimmering in the night. Florence had cast its spell on us, captivating us with its art, beauty, and culinary delights. It was a day I'll treasure forever.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, and Giardino Bardini. I am particularly excited to see the Boboli Gardens, as I heard they are beautiful this time of year. We might even sneak in a visit to Rasputin, a bar, for a nightcap. I can't wait to see what adventures await us!

Until then, arrivederci from Florence.