Family Cultural Adventure in Florence

Ciao, Firenze! A Final Day of Beauty

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As our week-long adventure in Florence draws to a close, I find myself filled with a bittersweet mix of emotions. There's a sense of accomplishment in having immersed ourselves in the heart of the Renaissance, exploring its artistic treasures and cultural richness. Yet, there's also a pang of sadness knowing that our time in this magical city is coming to an end. Today, we set out to capture a few more lasting memories before bidding arrivederci to Florence.
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Our final day began, as many others did, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. We made our way to Caffè Gilli, a historic café that exudes old-world charm. The café, established in 1733, is just stunning with its elegant interior. Sipping on my cappuccino, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation and the delicate clinking of porcelain, I savored the moment. Leila, of course, opted for a pastry, her eyes wide with delight as she chose a colorful treat from the enticing display. Hans and I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the week.


Experience timeless elegance at Caffè Gilli in Florence – where every sip and bite tells a story steeped in tradition.
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With our bellies full and spirits high, we decided to start our day with a breathtaking panorama. Piazzale Michelangelo was calling, and I was eager to see Florence from its most celebrated vantage point. The brisk January air nipped at our cheeks as we began our ascent, but the promise of the view spurred us onward. As we climbed, I told Leila about Giuseppe Poggi, the architect who designed the Piazzale in 1869. I explained that the square was built to honor Michelangelo, with bronze copies of his famous sculptures, including David. Even in the winter chill, there were other tourists making their way up to the square. It was a bit crowded, but still offered amazing views.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.
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Finally, we reached the top, and the vista unfolded before us in all its glory. Florence stretched out beneath us, a tapestry of terracotta rooftops, majestic domes, and winding streets. The Arno River snaked its way through the heart of the city, reflecting the winter sunlight. I pointed out the Duomo, its magnificent dome dominating the skyline, and the Ponte Vecchio, its medieval shops clinging precariously to its sides. Leila was fascinated by the bronze replica of David, striking a pose beside it for a photo. The views were truly spectacular, even on a cold January day. I made a mental note that we needed to return in the summer someday!
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Sometimes, the best way to appreciate a place is to see it from above, gaining a new perspective on its beauty and complexity.

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After soaking in the view, we descended back into the city, our next destination the Campanile di Giotto, Giotto's Bell Tower. As we approached the Duomo, the bell tower loomed before us, an imposing structure of Gothic architecture. I knew that climbing the tower would be a challenge – 414 steps with no elevator – but the promise of another stunning view was too tempting to resist. Hans, ever the supportive husband, encouraged me, while Leila bounced with excitement, eager to conquer the heights.


Discover the breathtaking Campanile di Giotto in Florence, a Gothic masterpiece offering stunning views and rich artistic history, a must-see for every traveler.
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The climb was indeed strenuous, the narrow, winding staircase testing our stamina. We paused at each level to catch our breath, peering out through the arched windows at the city below. With each step, the view became more breathtaking, the details of Florence's architecture becoming clearer. I told Leila about Giotto, the artist who began the tower in 1334, and how Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti completed it after his death. I also mentioned that the tower has seven bells, each with its own name and history.
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Finally, we reached the top, and the panoramic vista was simply awe-inspiring. From this vantage point, we could see the Duomo up close, its intricate facade a masterpiece of artistry. The city stretched out in all directions, a sea of red rooftops and ancient buildings. The January sun cast long shadows, creating a dramatic play of light and shadow across the landscape. We spent a few moments simply taking it all in, marveling at the beauty and history that surrounded us.
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After our descent from the Campanile, we decided to immerse ourselves in another Florentine tradition: leather shopping. Florence is renowned for its leather goods, and I was eager to find a special souvenir to remind me of our trip. We wandered through the streets, browsing the many shops that lined our path. I recalled a recommendation from another travel blogger about finding quality leather away from the main tourist areas, and I was determined to put that advice to the test. I was on the lookout for a soft, comfortable leather jacket and Leila was hoping for a new purse.
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In one of the shops, I found a beautiful leather jacket that was exactly what I was looking for. It was soft and supple, with a classic design that would never go out of style. The shopkeeper, a friendly woman with a warm smile, told me that the jacket was made from locally sourced leather, tanned using traditional methods. The jacket felt like a perfect fit, and I knew that it would be a cherished reminder of our time in Florence. Leila also found a cute purse that she loved. She was so excited to show it off to her friends back home.
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As the day drew to a close, our thoughts turned to dinner. For our final meal in Florence, I wanted something truly special, a culinary experience that would linger in our memories long after we left. I had heard wonderful things about Golden View Firenze, a restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio. I was able to secure a reservation and we were all very excited to try the food.


Experience the best of Tuscan cuisine with stunning views at Golden View Firenze - a culinary gem overlooking the Arno River.
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We arrived at Golden View Firenze just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city. The restaurant was elegant and inviting, with large windows that offered unobstructed views of the Arno River and the iconic bridge. We were seated at a table by the window, and I felt a surge of excitement as I took in the breathtaking scenery. The sun setting over the Ponte Vecchio was a sight to behold.
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The menu at Golden View Firenze was a celebration of Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. We started with a selection of appetizers, each one a work of art. The pumpkin leaves tempura were amazing. For our main courses, I opted for the seafood pasta, while Hans chose the rabbit and Leila enjoyed the pasta pomodoro. Each dish was cooked to perfection, the flavors bursting with freshness and authenticity. For dessert, we shared a blueberry tart that was simply divine. The service was impeccable, the staff attentive and knowledgeable, making us feel like honored guests.
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As we savored our meal, we raised our glasses in a toast to Florence, to the memories we had made, and to the adventures that lay ahead. The evening was the perfect ending to our Florentine adventure, a culinary masterpiece set against the backdrop of a city that had captured our hearts. We walked back to our hotel, bellies full, hearts happy, and minds filled with the beautiful memories from our trip.
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As I sit here now, writing this final blog post from our Florence adventure, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences we have shared as a family. From the awe-inspiring art to the delicious food, Florence has left an indelible mark on our souls. I know that we will carry these memories with us always, and I hope that someday we will return to this enchanting city to create even more. Tomorrow we head back to Potsdam, back to our familiar routines, but a part of me will always remain in Florence, wandering through its ancient streets and soaking in its timeless beauty. Arrivederci, Firenze! Until we meet again.