Family Adventure in Florence: Exploring Italy's Cultural Heart

Florentine Echoes

Today was a day of embracing the artistic and scenic heart of Florence, a city that continues to enchant me with its blend of history and beauty. With Hans and Liesel by my side, we set out to explore more of what this Renaissance gem has to offer. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow marks the end of our Florentine adventure. I am determined to soak up every last bit of its charm.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Il Gatto e la Volpe. It was a delightful start to the day. The restaurant was conveniently located, and the reviews I had read highlighted their lobster pasta, wild boar pasta, and gnocchi. I opted for a simple pastry and cappuccino, while Hans enjoyed a more traditional Italian breakfast. Liesel, of course, chose a chocolate-filled croissant, her eyes sparkling with morning excitement.


Discover authentic Tuscan flavors at Il Gatto e la Volpe in Florence – where every meal tells a story.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. I am consistently amazed by the sheer volume of history and artistry packed into Florence. Santa Maria Novella is no exception. As the first great basilica in Florence, it boasts a stunning Renaissance façade and a rich history dating back to the 13th century. We wandered through the chapels, marveling at the frescoes by masters like Ghirlandaio and Brunelleschi's wooden Crucifix in the Gondi Chapel. Liesel was particularly fascinated by the vibrant colors and detailed scenes, asking endless questions about the stories behind each painting. The basilica’s architecture, with its Gothic arches and intricate marble work, left us in awe. It's incredible to think that this basilica was once used as a workshop by Leonardo da Vinci.


Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in Florence, rich in art, history, and spiritual significance.

To walk through Florence is to walk through the heart of the Renaissance, where every corner holds a story and every building is a work of art.

Next on our itinerary was the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, home to Michelangelo's David. No matter how many times I’ve seen images of David, standing before the actual sculpture is an entirely different experience. Its sheer size and the incredible detail of Michelangelo's craftsmanship are breathtaking. Liesel, who is learning about art history in school, was particularly excited to see it in person. We also explored the other halls of the Accademia, admiring works by artists such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. The Hall of the Prisoners, with Michelangelo's unfinished sculptures, offered a fascinating glimpse into the artist's creative process. We spent a good amount of time in the museum of musical instruments, mesmerized by the collection of historical instruments of the Medici family.


Explore the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, home to Michelangelo's David and a treasure trove of Renaissance art and education in Florence.

For lunch, we ventured to Buca dell'Orafo, a tiny restaurant located on a side street near the Ponte Vecchio. This cozy, underground spot is known for its traditional Tuscan menu and delicious bistecca Fiorentina. We started with the ribollita, a hearty Tuscan bread soup, perfect for a chilly January day. Hans and I shared the bistecca Fiorentina, cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful. Liesel opted for the penne carrettiera, which she declared was the best pasta she had ever tasted. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a perfect place to relax and refuel after a morning of sightseeing.


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

After lunch, we indulged in a bit of shopping at Pegna dal 1860, a historic grocery store near the Duomo. Founded in 1860, this shop is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide array of Tuscan delicacies and specialties from around Italy. We wandered through the aisles, sampling cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils. I picked up some handmade pasta and a bottle of local wine to take back to Bamberg, hoping to recreate some of the flavors of Florence at home. Liesel, of course, was drawn to the sweets section, where she chose a selection of artisanal chocolates and biscotti.


Discover Pegna dal 1860, Florence's historic gourmet grocery store offering exquisite cold cuts, sweets, and fine wines in a charming atmosphere.

As the afternoon waned, we made our way to Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city. The climb was a bit steep, but the view from the top was well worth the effort. From here, we could see the entire city of Florence spread out before us, with the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio standing out against the skyline. The bronze replica of Michelangelo's David stood proudly in the center of the square, surrounded by tourists and locals alike. We took photos, admired the view, and soaked in the atmosphere, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such beauty.


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

Our final stop of the day was Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo for dinner. This Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the Hotel Lungarno, offers stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio and innovative Italian cuisine. We started with the Fassona tartare, topped with black summer truffle. For the main course, Hans chose the turbot, while I opted for the wild boar ravioli. Liesel enjoyed a simple pasta dish with tomato sauce. The service was impeccable, and the food was exquisite, making it a perfect ending to a memorable day.


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

As we walked back to Il Terrazzino Sulla Cattedrale, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The air was crisp and cool, and the sounds of the city faded into a gentle hum. I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and gratitude for the experiences we had shared today. Florence has a way of capturing your heart and leaving you wanting more.


Experience the heart of Florence at Il Terrazzino Sulla Cattedrale, where modern comforts meet historic charm just steps from iconic landmarks.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Mercato del Porcellino and climb the Campanile di Giotto for one last panoramic view of the city before heading to the airport. And perhaps, if we have time, we’ll stop by Antico Caffè del Moro – Art Bar Firenze for a final taste of Florentine coffee.

It’s hard to believe our family adventure in Florence is coming to an end. I am already looking forward to planning our next trip, wherever it may be.