Family Adventure in Florence: Exploring Italian Culture and History

A Day Immersed in Florentine Culture

Today was a day of diving headfirst into the artistic and culinary heart of Florence. It's amazing how much history and beauty is packed into this city; every corner seems to whisper stories of the past. Today was all about experiencing that firsthand, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Osteria da Caterina. It was a cozy little spot, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee was the perfect way to kickstart our Florentine adventure. The kids, Nelson and Sheila, were particularly excited about the pastries, and Fatima and I enjoyed some strong Italian coffee to prepare ourselves for the day ahead. I had read some great reviews of Osteria da Caterina, and it certainly lived up to the hype with its friendly staff and excellent food. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like a local, even if you're just visiting. We started the day with some lasagna and pappardelle, and finished it off with some tiramisu and espresso.


Discover the authentic flavors of Tuscany at Osteria da Caterina in Florence – where traditional Italian cuisine meets warm hospitality.

With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we set off to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. The Galleria was open for regular hours today, which was a relief, as I was concerned that we would have to change our plans. I had pre-booked tickets, thankfully, because the line was already stretching down the street. As we stepped inside, the grandeur of the place was immediately striking. Of course, the highlight was seeing Michelangelo’s David in person. I’d seen pictures, but nothing prepares you for the sheer size and artistry of it. Nelson and Sheila were suitably impressed, though I think Nelson was more interested in the fact that David was, well, naked. We spent a good amount of time admiring the sculptures and paintings, trying to soak in as much as we could. The Galleria is also home to an impressive collection of paintings by Florentine artists, mostly from the period 1300–1600. It was fascinating to see the evolution of art over those centuries. The kids were particularly taken with the musical instrument museum inside the Galleria, with Sheila fascinated by a spinet and forte-piano by Bartolomeo Cristofori.


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

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

Leaving the Accademia, we strolled through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere. We passed street performers, bustling markets, and charming little shops. It felt like every step was a new discovery. We decided to take a detour to Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique. Fatima had been wanting a new leather handbag, and I thought this would be a good opportunity to find something special. The shop was small but filled with beautiful leather goods. I've read that the leather industry in Florence is largely owned by Chinese, so I wanted to make sure that Fatima got something that was genuine and high-quality. Fatima tried on a few jackets, and she looked absolutely stunning in a black leather jacket. Ultimately, she found a beautiful handbag that she loved, and the owner was kind enough to give us a small discount. I think I also got a good deal, considering the price of leather goods in Florence.


Experience the artistry of Italian leather at Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique, a must-visit destination for luxury shoppers in Florence.

For lunch, we had reservations at Ora d'Aria. I had heard great things about Chef Marco Stabile’s contemporary Tuscan cuisine. I was also looking forward to a great meal, as I had read that Ora d'Aria sources ingredients based on seasonality. The restaurant itself had a modern, elegant vibe. The dining room staff was very attentive, and they made us feel very welcome. The food was exquisite. Each dish was a work of art, both in terms of presentation and flavor. I had the Tuscan beef, which was coated in breadcrumbs and served with celeriac purée. It was delicious, with the beef having plenty of flavour. Fatima enjoyed the lasagna with rabbit ragu, and the kids had some pasta dishes that they devoured in minutes. It was a truly memorable meal.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Ora d'Aria, where culinary artistry meets the heart of Florence's vibrant dining scene.

After lunch, we made our way to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The basilica is located right next to the central train station, so it was not difficult to locate. The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is known for the beautiful stained glass windows in the Tornabuoni chapel. The architecture of the Santa Maria Novella Church is also stunning, with the white marble facade being one of the most important architectural works of the Florentine Renaissance. As we approached, I was struck by the stunning facade, a masterpiece of green and white marble. Inside, the basilica was equally impressive. The soaring ceilings, intricate artwork, and stained-glass windows created a sense of awe. We spent a long time wandering through the chapels, admiring the frescoes by masters like Masaccio and Ghirlandaio. Nelson and Sheila were fascinated by the stories behind the paintings, and I did my best to explain the historical and religious significance of each piece. The Basilica also houses the tombstone of Leonardo Da Vinci, which Ghiberti designed in 1423. It was a truly enriching experience.


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

As the afternoon waned, we decided to indulge in some gelato. We found a small gelateria near the Ponte Vecchio and ordered a variety of flavors. As we strolled along the river, enjoying our gelato, we reflected on the incredible day we had. Florence had truly captured our hearts.

Dinner was at Il Latini, a traditional Florentine trattoria. I had made reservations well in advance, as I knew it was a popular spot. The restaurant was bustling with energy, filled with locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with hams hanging from the ceilings and art collaged upon the walls. We were seated at a communal table, which added to the convivial atmosphere. The food was hearty and delicious. We started with a selection of Tuscan cold cuts, followed by the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a massive steak cooked to perfection. The kids enjoyed the pasta dishes, and Fatima and I savored every bite of the steak. The waiters kept bringing shots and wine, which appeared to be on the house. It was a truly unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant recommends that you simply sit back and enjoy the ride “famiglia” style, which means everything gets chucked in the middle for sharing.


Discover authentic Tuscan cuisine at Il Latini in Florence - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As we walked back to Hotel California, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. I was tired but content. Today had been a whirlwind of art, culture, and culinary delights. Florence had exceeded all my expectations, and I couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would bring. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Campanile di Giotto and Piazzale Michelangelo. I am particularly excited about visiting Piazzale Michelangelo, as I have heard that it offers the best panoramic views of Florence.


Experience the charm of Florence at Hotel California, a serene escape with modern amenities, close to iconic attractions, perfect for every traveler.

“Ciao for now, from Florence! It is time for this Mozambican to get some rest! Até amanhã!