Family Adventure in Florence: Exploring Renaissance Wonders

A Day of Discovery

Today, Florence revealed another layer of its multifaceted character, blending the realms of science and art into a harmonious experience. It was a day of exploration, not just of places, but of the ingenuity and creativity that have flourished here for centuries. From the intricate instruments of scientific discovery to the timeless art of leather craftsmanship, Florence continued to inspire and captivate us.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Ristorante Santa Elisabetta. The elegant setting, nestled within the historic Hotel Brunelleschi, was the perfect start to a day dedicated to exploring the wonders of science and art. The restaurant itself is located on the first floor of a Byzantine tower, which I found fascinating, given my line of work. The pastries were exquisite, and the coffee was strong – just what we needed to fuel our Florentine adventure. Isabela enjoyed a light fruit plate, while Mateus devoured a croissant with chocolate. It was a moment of simple joy, setting the tone for a day of discovery.

Our first stop was the Museo Galileo. As a historical building restoration consultant, I've always been fascinated by the intersection of science and history, and this museum was a treasure trove of both. The museum, formerly known as the Institute and Museum for the History of Science, is filled with scientific instruments dating back to the 13th century. It was amazing to see barometers, globes, and microscopes from centuries ago. I was particularly excited to see the telescopes used by Galileo himself! Mateus was fascinated by the interactive exhibits, which demonstrated the inner workings of these instruments.


Discover the rich history of science at Museo Galileo, a must-visit museum in Florence, showcasing incredible inventions and the legacy of Galileo Galilei.

The beauty of science lies not in its complexity, but in its ability to reveal the hidden wonders of the universe.

One of the highlights was seeing the objective lens of the telescope that Galileo used when he discovered the moons of Jupiter. It's incredible to think that with this very lens, Galileo revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. The museum also had a wide array of globes – celestial and terrestrial – as well as optical illusions that intrigued Mateus. We spent a good two hours exploring the museum, and I felt like I could have easily spent another few hours there. I was also happy to see that the museum was stroller-friendly, which made it easier to navigate with Mateus.

After immersing ourselves in the world of science, we decided to explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. There are actually two Leonardo da Vinci museums in Florence, and we opted for the interactive one, which focuses on his machines. This museum was a fantastic experience for the whole family. Mateus was particularly thrilled with the interactive exhibits, where he could operate models of Leonardo's inventions, such as the Giant Tank and the Catapult. The museum is designed to cater to families, school groups, and young visitors who want to learn while having fun by using the multitude of interactive workshops which span the entire museum. It was a tactile, educational, and active museum, perfect for curious visitors like us.


Explore the innovative world of Leonardo da Vinci at the Interactive Museum in Florence, where art meets science through engaging exhibits.

Walking through the museum, I was struck by the sheer breadth of Leonardo's genius. He was not only a painter and sculptor but also an inventor, architect, and scientist. The museum showcased his contributions to various fields, including mechanics, engineering, and anatomy. Each prototype shown is accompanied by the corresponding original drawing, which I found fascinating. It's inspiring to see how one person could possess such a diverse range of talents and make such significant contributions to humanity. Isabela, with her background as a teacher, appreciated the museum's hands-on approach to learning, which made the exhibits engaging and accessible for children.

For lunch, we ventured to Cantina Barbagianni, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Florentine cuisine. The owner was very kind and made us feel right at home. We started with the tagliere toscano, a Tuscan board with various cheeses and cured meats, which was perfect for sharing. For the main course, I opted for the homemade pasta, while Isabela chose a steak. Mateus, as always, went for a simple pasta with tomato sauce. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was a great place to relax and recharge after a morning of exploring museums. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a family lunch.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Cantina Barbagianni in Florence – where tradition meets taste in every dish.

In the afternoon, we indulged in some retail therapy at Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l., a renowned leather-making school and workshop. This was an experience I had been particularly looking forward to, given my appreciation for craftsmanship and the history of artisanal trades. Located within the cloisters of Santa Croce, the Scuola del Cuoio was founded after World War II to provide skills and work for the city's orphans. Today, it remains a hub of traditional leather-making, where artisans craft wallets, purses, journals, and jackets by hand.


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

As we entered the workshop, we were immediately enveloped in the rich aroma of leather. We watched as skilled artisans meticulously stitched, embossed, and shaped the leather into exquisite creations. It was fascinating to see the entire process, from the initial design to the finished product. I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail and the dedication of the craftsmen. Mateus was captivated by the embossing process, where initials were stamped onto the leather in gold or silver.

I ended up purchasing a beautiful leather briefcase, which I plan to use for my consulting work. Isabela found a stylish handbag, and Mateus picked out a small leather journal. We had our initials embossed on our purchases, adding a personal touch to these timeless pieces. The Scuola del Cuoio is more than just a shop; it's a living testament to Florence's artistic and spiritual heritage.

Our final meal of the day was at Cuculia, a restaurant that blends tradition and innovation in its cuisine. The restaurant had a unique atmosphere, with a library-style dining room. The menu featured a range of Italian dishes with a modern twist. We started with a complimentary gazpacho, which was a refreshing and flavorful appetizer. For the main course, I tried the tasting menu, which was a culinary journey through the flavors of Tuscany. Isabela opted for the sunflower pasta, which was stuffed with goat cheese and honey. Mateus chose a classic Margherita pizza. The food was exceptional, and the service was impeccable.


Discover Cuculia in Florence: A delightful fusion of exquisite cuisine and literary treasures awaits you.

As we walked back to Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa, the city was bathed in the warm glow of the evening lights. We reflected on the day's adventures, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of Florence. It's amazing how this city manages to blend science, art, and history into a seamless tapestry of culture and inspiration. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Palatine Gallery and the Basilica di San Miniato. We will also have breakfast at Winter Garden Restaurant, lunch at Club culinario toscano da Osvaldo, and dinner at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. Before heading back to the hotel, we will stop by Locale Firenze, a bar known for its cocktails.


Experience the charm of Florence at Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa, offering luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and wellness services in the heart of the city.

Before I forget, I have to mention something funny that happened today. As we were leaving the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum, Mateus turned to me and said, "Dad, Leonardo was really smart, but I bet he never played video games!" It was a reminder that even geniuses have their limits, and that every generation has its own unique experiences and perspectives. It made Isabela and I laugh.

Tonight, as I sit here writing this blog, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had in Florence. This city has a way of igniting the imagination and stirring the soul. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of art, the wonders of science, and the richness of history. And as we prepare for our final days in Florence, I know that we will continue to discover new treasures and create lasting memories.

Tomorrow marks our tenth day here, and with that, we are getting closer to the end of our trip. I am looking forward to our last day, where we will visit the Palatine Gallery and the Basilica di San Miniato, followed by a final dinner in this beautiful city.