Exploring the Renaissance: A Journey to Florence

Sunday Strolls and Renaissance Finds

Today was a day of wandering through the heart of Florence, soaking in the atmosphere of bustling markets and the quiet reverence of a museum filled with masterpieces. It’s funny how a city can feel so familiar and yet still offer new surprises around every corner. Olivia and I set out this morning with no particular agenda, just a desire to experience the city's rhythm.



Our day began, as many do in Florence, with the promise of good coffee and pastries. We headed to Caffè Concerto Paszkowski for breakfast. This place is steeped in history, dating back to 1846, and you can feel it in the air. The cafe was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, all eager to start their day with a caffeine kick and a sweet treat. I ordered an espresso, of course, while Olivia opted for a cappuccino. We shared a couple of pastries – a delicate flower with vanilla and apricot which Olivia enjoyed, and a rich chocolate number that satisfied my sweet tooth perfectly. The prices were a bit steep, but the ambiance and the quality made it worthwhile. There was live music playing in the evenings, but we unfortunately didn't make it back to experience that.

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

With our energy levels restored, we made our way to the Mercato del Porcellino. The market was a riot of colors and sounds, with vendors hawking their wares – mostly leather goods and souvenirs. It’s a bit touristy, I’ll admit, but it’s also a fun place to people-watch and soak in the lively atmosphere. Olivia was in her element, browsing through the leather bags and wallets, while I was more interested in the Fontana del Porcellino, the bronze boar statue that gives the market its name. According to local tradition, rubbing the boar's snout brings good luck, and if you place a coin in its mouth and it falls through the grate, your wish will come true. Of course, I had to give it a try. I rubbed the snout (which was gleaming from countless other hands) and dropped a coin into the boar's mouth. I'm not sure if my wish will come true, but it was a fun little ritual to participate in.


Discover the bustling Mercato del Porcellino, a vibrant market in Florence filled with local delicacies, artisanal goods, and cultural charm.


Discover the iconic Fontana del Porcellino in Florence, where folklore meets vibrant market life, and good luck awaits every visitor.

After the market, we decided to immerse ourselves in a bit of culture at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello. Housed in what was once a barracks and prison, the Bargello is now home to an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures. As a brewery tour guide, I am used to talking about the fermentation process, but Renaissance art is a whole other world. We saw masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Verrocchio. I was particularly struck by Donatello's David, a bronze sculpture that exudes both strength and vulnerability. The museum itself is also worth seeing, with its fortress-like architecture and crenellated walls. It’s amazing to think that this building has served so many different purposes over the centuries, from a ducal residence to a prison to a museum. Apparently, the Bargello also has a collection of decorative arts, including textiles, majolica, and ivories, but we didn't have time to see it all.


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

Before our visit to the museum, we popped by Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l.. I had heard from a friend that they offer tours and longer technical visits. It was created after World War II thanks to the collaboration of the Franciscan friars of the monastery of Santa Croce, who wanted to teach a craft to the orphans. We were able to see artisans working under exposed brick arches, carefully cutting colored leather. It was quite mesmerizing.


Explore Scuola del Cuoio in Florence for exquisite handmade leather goods and immersive crafting experiences that reflect Italy's rich artistic heritage.

For lunch, we ventured to Il Santo Bevitore, a restaurant that had been recommended to us by several locals. This place is known for its hearty Tuscan cuisine and its cozy atmosphere. The restaurant was buzzing with activity, and we were lucky to snag a table. I started with the chicken liver terrine, which was rich and flavorful, while Olivia opted for the cabbage flan. For my main course, I had the roasted duck leg, which was perfectly cooked and served with a delicious red wine jus. Olivia chose the potato gnocchi with deer ragout, which she declared to be outstanding. We finished our meal with a shared dessert of crème brûlée, which was the perfect ending to a satisfying meal. The wine list was extensive, and our server helped us choose a local Tuscan red that paired perfectly with our food. I can see why this place is so popular – the food is excellent, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Santo Bevitore in Florence - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

In the evening, we treated ourselves to a Michelin-starred dining experience at Il Palagio, located within the Four Seasons Hotel. The hotel itself is stunning, and the restaurant is elegantly appointed. The service was impeccable, and the food was simply divine. We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a variety of creative and innovative dishes. One course was a lobster tail, served with fish mayonnaise, apple and fermented blueberries. The lobster was precisely cooked, succulent and very sweet. Another highlight was the Livornese cockerel agnolotti, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese with a generous shaving of San Miniato summer truffle. Each course was a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The chef even sent out a few surprise courses, which were a delightful treat. The coffee was ground and brewed on a trolley at the side of our table. We tried the intense Jamaican Wallenford Estate Blue Mountain, and the Columbian Barrique di Rum that had notes of rum and cherry from the barriques the beans were aged in for 8 years. Both coffees were excellent, and it was nice to see the coffee being carefully prepared and vacuum brewed. Il Palagio is definitely a splurge, but it’s worth it for a special occasion. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploring Florence.


Experience unparalleled fine dining at Il Palagio in Florence, where traditional Italian cuisine meets modern culinary excellence.

As I sit here writing this, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. We plan to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and explore the Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. I'm particularly interested in seeing the Piazza della Repubblica, a historic square that has been the center of Florentine life for centuries. And of course, we'll be sure to find some great places to eat and drink along the way. Florence, you’ve captured our hearts once again!