Family Adventure in the Heart of Florence

A Day of Florentine Discoveries

Today in Florence felt like stepping into a postcard, every corner revealing a new layer of history and beauty. With Andreas and Sophie by my side, I navigated the city's charming streets, eager to soak in as much as possible. From the serene atmosphere of Santa Maria Novella to the bustling Piazza della Repubblica and the exquisite craftsmanship at Scuola del Cuoio, Florence continued to enchant us with its timeless allure. It was a day of exploration, discovery, and shared moments that I will forever cherish.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Murales Bistro'. The cozy atmosphere and creative menu were the perfect start to a day of exploration. I opted for a classic cappuccino and a pastry, while Andreas enjoyed a savory frittata. Sophie, ever the adventurous one, tried a local specialty – a sweet ricotta-filled cornetto. The bistro's quirky decor, with its cartoon murals, added a fun touch to our morning.


Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at Murales Bistro – where culinary tradition meets modern charm in the heart of Florence.

After breakfast, we made our way to Santa Maria Novella. The basilica's façade, a masterpiece blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, immediately captivated us. I was particularly struck by the story of how the Rucellai family commissioned Leon Battista Alberti to complete the facade, seamlessly integrating the new Renaissance style with the existing Gothic structure. The interior was equally impressive, adorned with frescoes by masters like Masaccio and Ghirlandaio.


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

Florence is not just a city; it's a living museum where every stone tells a story, and every corner reveals an artistic treasure.

We spent a good hour wandering through the basilica, admiring the intricate details and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Sophie, who is studying art history in school, was particularly fascinated by Masaccio's Trinity fresco. Andreas, ever the pragmatist, was impressed by the basilica's sheer scale and architectural ingenuity. For me, it was the sense of history that resonated most deeply, the feeling of being connected to centuries of faith and artistry.


Leaving Santa Maria Novella, we strolled towards Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Florence since Roman times. The piazza was bustling with activity – street artists, vendors, and tourists all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The Colonna della Dovizia, also known as the Column of Abundance, marked the spot where the cardus and decumanus maximi met in Roman times. I read that the square was once the site of the city's forum and later the old ghetto, which was swept away during Florence's time as the capital of Italy. It's fascinating to think about the layers of history beneath our feet.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Repubblica, Florence's iconic square filled with history, culture, and lively street performances.

We paused at one of the historic cafes, Caffè Gilli, for a mid-morning pick-me-up. Sipping on strong Italian coffee and people-watching, we felt like true Florentines. Sophie was particularly amused by the carousel in the center of the piazza, a whimsical touch amidst the grandeur of the surrounding buildings. Andreas, meanwhile, was busy capturing the scene with his camera, determined to preserve every detail of this vibrant square.


Our next stop was the Fountain of Neptune, a majestic monument in Piazza della Signoria. Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici in 1559, the fountain was designed by Baccio Bandinelli and created by Bartolomeo Ammannati. The imposing statue of Neptune, sculpted from Carrara marble, symbolizes Florence's dominion over the sea. I learned that the fountain had undergone a major restoration in 2019, returning it to its original glory. It's quite impressive how such a grand piece of art has been restored to its former beauty.


Discover the stunning Fountain of Neptune in Florence's Piazza della Signoria, a masterpiece of Renaissance art that embodies the city's rich cultural heritage.

After admiring the Fountain of Neptune, we ventured towards Santa Croce, an area historically renowned for its leather making. Our destination was Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l., a leather school and workshop located inside the Franciscan monastery of Santa Croce. Founded in 1950, the school was established to teach the art of leatherworking to World War II orphans. Today, it continues to uphold the tradition of handcrafted leather goods, offering a range of bags, belts, jackets, and accessories.


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

Stepping into Scuola del Cuoio felt like entering another world. The air was filled with the rich scent of leather, and the sounds of artisans meticulously cutting and stitching filled the workshop. We watched in awe as skilled craftsmen transformed raw materials into exquisite pieces of art. Sophie was particularly drawn to the intricate details of the hand-stitched bags, while Andreas admired the precision and skill of the leatherworkers.


I decided to treat myself to a beautiful leather journal, a perfect memento of our time in Florence. The quality and craftsmanship were evident in every stitch, a testament to the school's commitment to tradition and excellence. As we left Scuola del Cuoio, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the artisans who dedicate their lives to preserving this ancient craft. It was a truly immersive experience, a glimpse into the heart of Florentine artistry.


For lunch, we indulged in a delightful meal at Ristorante Pietrabianca. The restaurant, known for its seafood cuisine, offered a welcome change of pace from the traditional Tuscan fare we had been enjoying. The ambiance was elegant and inviting, with a touch of modern flair. We started with a selection of antipasti, including fresh oysters and grilled octopus. For our main courses, Andreas opted for the seared tuna, while Sophie chose the seafood pasta. I decided on the grilled sea bass, a light and flavorful dish that perfectly captured the essence of the sea. The service was impeccable, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine blended with fresh seafood at Ristorante Pietrabianca in the heart of Florence.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Enoteca Pinchiorri for dinner, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant is known for its extensive wine list and classic Italian dishes. The service was good, and the atmosphere elegant.


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

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the Cappelle Medicee, and Piazza di San Lorenzo. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring the Medici Chapels, a testament to the power and influence of the Medici family. And, of course, we'll be sure to sample some more of Florence's culinary delights, perhaps with a cocktail at Bitter Bar to end the day.


As I reflect on today's adventures, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Florence with my family. Each day brings new discoveries, new memories, and a deeper appreciation for the timeless allure of this remarkable city. Goodnight from Florence!