Family Cultural Adventure in Florence

A Day of Palaces and Hidden Gems

Today was a day steeped in Florentine history and beauty. Hans, Kati, and I set out to explore the grandeur of the Pitti Palace and the serene landscapes of the Boboli Gardens, followed by a surprising twist in a hidden local bar. It was a day that perfectly blended the city's artistic heritage with a touch of modern-day intrigue.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Buca dell'Orafo. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee filled the cozy space. I opted for a simple yet satisfying pastry, while Hans enjoyed a more substantial frittata. Kati, ever the adventurous one, tried a local sweet bread. It's these small moments, sharing a meal and planning our day, that I cherish most when we travel as a family.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Pitti Palace. The sheer size of the building is imposing, a testament to the power and wealth of the Pitti family and later the Medici. It's fascinating to think that Luca Pitti, a Florentine merchant, started building this palace in the mid-15th century, wanting it to be the most impressive in the city. We learned that after Pitti’s death, Eleonora of Toledo, the wife of Cosimo I de' Medici, bought the palace in 1549, transforming it into the main residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The palace has been expanded over the centuries, and it now houses five museums! We decided to focus on the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments.

Wandering through the Palatine Gallery was like stepping back in time. The opulent rooms, adorned with intricate frescoes and filled with masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens, left us in awe. I found myself particularly drawn to the works of Raphael; his ability to capture human emotion on canvas is simply breathtaking. Hans, with his architect's eye, was fascinated by the palace's structure and the way different architectural styles had been seamlessly integrated over the centuries. Kati, ever the modern art enthusiast, was most intrigued by the Gallery of Modern Art, which we briefly peeked into, promising to return another time. The history of the palace is palpable, having been inhabited by the Medici, the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, and even serving as a power base for Napoleon. It's amazing to think that in 1919, King Victor Emmanuel III donated the palace and its contents to the Italian people.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Next on our itinerary was the Boboli Gardens, directly behind the Pitti Palace. Stepping into the gardens felt like entering another world. Despite it being January, the gardens were still lush with greenery, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The Medici family designed the gardens, creating the Italian garden style that became a model for many European courts. We strolled along the gravel paths, admiring the ancient statues and fountains that dotted the landscape. The Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Ocean were particularly impressive, their intricate details a testament to the skill of the Renaissance artists.

We explored the various grottos, including the famous one created by Bernardo Buontalenti. The gardens are vast, and we could easily have spent the entire day wandering through them. The Boboli Gardens offer a captivating blend of art, nature, and history. We saw old oak trees, amazing sculptures, fountains, and beautiful canopies. The gardens were embellished with big fountains like the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Ocean, as well as grottos. Apparently, the gardens were created in the Versailles-specific European Royal Garden style. From the 15th through the 19th century, its design, creation, and development took place over a period of four centuries.

As the afternoon waned, we made our way to the Basilica di Santo Spirito, located in the Oltrarno district. The church, with its unassuming façade, stands on the remains of a 13th-century Augustinian convent. Filippo Brunelleschi was entrusted with the project. However, he died two years after work began, and modifications to his design became numerous. Inside, the basilica is a serene and spacious sanctuary, a testament to Brunelleschi's architectural genius. We admired the high altar, adorned with Giovanni Caccini's 17th-century canopy, and the numerous side altars, each with its own unique artwork. I found myself particularly moved by Michelangelo's wooden Crucifix, housed in the sacristy. It's incredible to think that Michelangelo carved this masterpiece at just 17 years old, while a guest at the convent. Hans was intrigued by the basilica's history, learning that it was built on the site of a former Augustinian monastery, which had been destroyed by fire in 1471. Kati was fascinated by the basilica's dome and inner façade. Apparently, the church marks the beginning of a new conception of space. The wooden Crucifix carved by Michelangelo in 1492 is on display in the sacristy. At the age of 17, he was a guest in the convent of Santo Spirito, where he was able to dissect corpses from the convent hospital. By studying anatomy in depth, the artist was able to reproduce every detail of a human body.

For dinner, we had reservations at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and extensive wine list. However, after our long day of exploring, we decided to try something different. I remembered reading about a hidden bar in the Oltrarno district, called Rasputin, and I thought it would be a fun and unexpected way to end our day. I managed to secure a reservation, and after a short walk, we found ourselves standing in front of an unmarked door. Following the instructions I had found online, I rang the doorbell and waited.

A few moments later, the door opened, and we were ushered into a dimly lit, intimate space. Rasputin is a speakeasy-style bar, with a cozy atmosphere and a focus on whisky and cocktails. The bartender was a true mixologist, crafting innovative and delicious drinks with a creative approach to tastes. Hans, a whisky enthusiast, was in heaven, sampling several rare and unique blends. Kati and I opted for cocktails, each one a work of art in itself. The bar had a mysterious and secretive vibe, with a decor that was both elegant and slightly macabre. The service was impeccable, and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable about their craft. The bar stocks an array of alcohol. The staff create whiskey-based cocktails and are very knowledgeable. Rasputin is a hidden gem, with nothing but a name on a small brass plaque below a doorbell. I felt like a true insider, discovering a hidden gem in the heart of Florence.

It was a perfect end to a day filled with history, art, and beauty. As we walked back to Hotel Medici, under the starlit Florentine sky, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments of shared experience. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see David, explore the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, and wander through the Piazza del Duomo. Each day in Florence brings new discoveries and unforgettable memories.

I'm also glad that I remembered to pack my comfortable walking shoes. However, I regret that I forgot the travel adapter. I hope I can find one tomorrow, so I don't have to worry about charging my phone and camera.

The city is preparing to welcome visitors with a full calendar of initiatives aimed at enhancing and promoting its countless wonders. We're excited for what tomorrow holds!


Explore the opulent halls and vast art collections of Pitti Palace, a Renaissance gem and former residence of the Medici family in Florence, Italy.


Explore the Boboli Gardens, a stunning Renaissance park in Florence, filled with art, history, and breathtaking landscapes that captivate every visitor.


Discover the architectural and artistic marvel of Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence, a peaceful sanctuary rich with Renaissance heritage.


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


Experience exquisite fine dining at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence—where Italian tradition meets modern culinary artistry.


Experience the allure of Rasputin, Florence's premier cocktail bar, where sophisticated drinks and enchanting ambiance meet in a chic nightlife setting.


Discover the charm of Florence at Hotel Medici, where comfort meets convenience in a prime city-center location. Ideal for tourists and travelers alike.