A Cultural Journey Through Renaissance Florence

A Day of Florentine Vistas

Today was a day of contrasts, a harmonious blend of the sacred and the scenic, the historical and the breathtaking. Florence, even in January, continues to reveal its many layers. Hans-Peter and I set out this morning with a plan to immerse ourselves in the city's artistic and natural beauty, and I must say, we succeeded beyond our expectations.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cantinetta delle Terme.
The charming restaurant was only a short walk from our hotel. The cozy atmosphere was the perfect start to a chilly January day. I savored a cappuccino and a pastry, while Hans-Peter enjoyed a more substantial meal of eggs and local cheese.
Cantinetta delle Terme is a true gem. The service was outstanding, and the food was delicious, and the variety of choices were excellent. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration.

The beauty of Florence lies not just in its art, but in the way its art enhances its natural beauty.

Our first stop was the Basilica of Santa Croce. As we approached, the sheer scale of the basilica was impressive. I was eager to explore what lay within. This magnificent structure, also known as the Temple of Italian Glories, is the final resting place of some of Italy's most influential figures.
Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the architecture and the wealth of artistic treasures. The Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. The sheer volume of history and art contained within its walls was almost overwhelming. We wandered through the chapels, each dedicated to a different aristocratic family and adorned with frescoes by renowned artists.
The tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli were particularly moving, a testament to the enduring legacy of these great minds. Hans-Peter, with his knowledge of art history, provided insightful commentary, pointing out details I might have otherwise missed. The Basilica is a treasure trove of artistic wonders. The basilica is dedicated to the True Cross, believed to be the one upon which Jesus was crucified.
I paused for a moment to admire Donatello's Crucifix, a unique wooden sculpture that stands as a testament to the artist's skill. We also saw the beautiful Pazzi Chapel, designed by Brunelleschi, and the Opera di Santa Croce Museum. The basilica is a symbol of both the disaster and the city's rebirth.
As we wandered through the cloisters, I imagined the countless monks who had walked these same paths centuries ago, their lives dedicated to prayer and contemplation. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. We spent a couple of hours here, wandering through the chapels and cloisters, admiring the art and architecture, and paying our respects to the great figures who are buried here.


Explore the breathtaking Basilica of Santa Croce, a Gothic masterpiece in Florence, home to great thinkers and stunning Renaissance art.
Leaving the Basilica, we were ready for a change of pace. Lunch beckoned, and we decided to try All’Antico Vinaio, a place I had read about that is famous for its sandwiches.
We joined the queue, which, thankfully, moved quickly. The aroma of freshly baked bread and cured meats filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation.
I opted for the vegan option with spicy eggplant, while Hans-Peter chose one filled with Tuscan prosciutto, pecorino cheese, and truffle cream. The schiacciata bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the perfect vessel for the generous fillings.
Finding a nearby piazza, we sat and savored our sandwiches, watching the Florentine world go by. The sandwiches were delicious, the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It was a delightful and satisfying experience. The staff was amazing, and the sandwich was perfect! All'Antico Vinaio has expanded to other cities in Italy, including Milan, Rome, Naples, Turin, Bologna, and even Dubai and the US.

With our appetites sated, we set off towards Piazzale Michelangelo, a vantage point offering panoramic views of Florence. We chose to walk, taking the route through the Oltrarno district, crossing the Ponte Vecchio, and winding our way up the hill. The walk itself was a treat, a chance to soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant city.
As we climbed higher, the views became more and more spectacular, teasing us with glimpses of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno River. Arriving at Piazzale Michelangelo, we were rewarded with a vista that truly took our breath away. The entire city lay before us, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun.
Even in January, the views were stunning. Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most famous and visited squares in Florence. The square is located on a hill just south of the Arno River, and offers the best views of Florence. It's especially stunning at sunset or during golden hour.
We joined the throng of locals and tourists, all vying for the perfect photo opportunity. I took several shots, trying to capture the magic of the moment, but no image could truly do justice to the experience. We found a spot along the balustrade and simply stood in silence, soaking in the beauty of Florence.
The replica of Michelangelo's David stood proudly in the center of the square, a symbol of the city's artistic heritage. As the sun began to set, the sky transformed into a canvas of fiery hues, casting a golden light over the terracotta rooftops and the Arno River. It was a truly unforgettable sight.
I think this is one of the best times of the year to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo. As I mentioned earlier, you may even end up alone! The sunsets are still gorgeous and the piazza isn't packed with people and vendors.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.
Our final destination for the day was the Giardino Bardini. From Piazzale Michelangelo, we walked to the gardens. While perhaps not at their peak in January, the Giardino Bardini offered a different perspective of the city. The climb to reach the gardens was rewarded with panoramic views and a sense of tranquility.
The azalea field is in the English style wood, once part of the Anglo-Chinese garden. It is possible to admire the monuments of Florence from Via de' Bardi. On leaving the villa one comes out onto the Costa San Giorgio leading to the Boboli Garden a few minutes away. The Bardini Garden is a unique place where to admire Florence, the urban landscape, the monuments and the surroundings hills.
Although many of the flowers were dormant, the structure of the gardens and the layout of the landscape were still impressive. We wandered through the English wood, admiring the sculptures and fountains, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. From the Belvedere terrace, we entered the English wood after passing by the bed of azaleas with the dragon channel, another part of Luigi Le Blanc's early nineteenth century Anglo-Chinese garden.
The dragon channel – restored after archaeological excavations – is bordered by ferns, Helleborus, Liriopus, and other shade-loving plants. The azaleas were recently purchased with the intent of rebuilding the collection that was the boast of the garden in the 1960s.
The gardens offer stunning views of the city, and the winter light added a unique charm to the landscape. It was a perfect spot to reflect on the day's adventures and appreciate the beauty of Florence from a different angle. I spotted a faint rainbow gracing the sky above San Lorenzo and the Duomo. The gray clouds didn't seem to budge, but the pastel stripes wavered and then disappeared. I strained my eyes to see it, but contented myself with seeing it in my photo.


Discover the enchanting Villa Bardini in Florence, a heritage museum and park featuring stunning gardens, rich art collections, and breathtaking views of the city.
As evening approached, we made our way to Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo for dinner. This Michelin-starred restaurant, located within the Hotel Lungarno, promised a culinary experience to match the artistic and scenic delights of the day. The restaurant is situated near the Arno river. The atmosphere that you breath is warm. Amazing food & service, great experience!
We were not disappointed. The elegant dining room, with its views of the Arno River, set the stage for a memorable meal. Hans-Peter opted for the chef's tasting menu with the premium wine pairing, while I chose a la carte, selecting dishes that highlighted the region's seasonal ingredients. The food was presented very well and full flavored. There was no rush between courses but at the same time we were not waiting, the balance was just right. I commend you all at Cantinetta delle Terme for your beautiful restaurant. The restaurant is a 1-star Michelin restaurant in the centre of Florence. The quality of the food, level of service and overall experience were all very high. Sommelier Salvatore Biscotti is responsible for the excellent wine selection, which includes around a thousand different labels featuring renowned estates and small producers alike. It's well worth booking one of the few romantic tables overlooking the Arno.
Each course was a work of art, a testament to the chef's creativity and skill. The flavors were exquisite, the service impeccable, and the overall experience unforgettable. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Many restaurants in italy closed for summer vacation but I am thrilled that Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, located inside of a hotel on the south bank of the arno river, did not. A spectacular meal of complementary flavors showcasing fine italian ingredients with impeccable service to boot.


Discover the epitome of fine dining in Florence at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, where traditional Italian cuisine meets modern elegance.
Before heading back to the Grand Hotel Cavour, we decided to visit Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique. I had been wanting to purchase a leather jacket, and I had read good reviews about the shop. Florence is known for its leather goods. Davide Cerasi is down on the Arno. I used to live in Florence and this is the best place in the city to get a leather jacket!
The shop was filled with beautiful leather goods, and the staff was helpful and knowledgeable. I found a beautiful jacket that fit me perfectly, and Hans-Peter encouraged me to buy it. It was a wonderful souvenir of our trip to Florence.


Experience the artistry of Italian leather at Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique, a must-visit destination for luxury shoppers in Florence.
As we walked back to our hotel, hand in hand, I reflected on the day's experiences. From the sacred spaces of the Basilica di Santa Croce to the breathtaking vistas of Piazzale Michelangelo and the tranquil beauty of Giardino Bardini, Florence had once again captured my heart. And with a leather jacket in hand, I felt like a true Florentine. I am looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, the San Marco Museum, and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. It promises to be another day filled with art and culture.
The Green Line Festival is running until tomorrow in downtown Florence. There is also the Visions of Etruscan Myths and Rites in Florence exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum until April 7. And for fashion lovers, there is Pitti Uomo 107 from January 14-30.
The Green Line Festival is running until tomorrow. If you visit Florence in the first week of January, you are still in time to see all of Florence light up in colors. You can spot giant light fixtures, illuminated facade displays, and light shows across the city. There are also several exhibitions running throughout January, including the Michelangelo e il potere exhibition at Palazzo Vecchio until January 26. For those interested in fashion, Pitti Immagine is taking place from January 14-30.