Family Adventure in the Heart of Florence

Florentine Reverie: A Day of Art and Devotion

Today, Valentine's Day, Andreas, Sophie, and I embarked on a journey not of romantic dinners and whispered sweet nothings, but one of art, history, and spiritual reflection. As a floral designer, I often find myself drawn to the beauty in the smallest details, and Florence, with its rich artistic heritage, never fails to provide a feast for the eyes and soul. Today was no exception, as we delved into the heart of Florence's religious history, exploring the Baptistery of St. John, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Coquinarius. The cozy atmosphere and the promise of organic options made it the perfect start to our Florentine Valentine's Day. I savored a slow-cooked egg with pecorino cream and zucchini, while Andreas enjoyed the chicken-liver terrine. Sophie, ever the adventurous one, opted for the eggplant parmigiana with burrata cream and basil. It was a delicious start, fueling us for the day's explorations.

Baptistery of St. John: Glimpses of Paradise

After breakfast, we headed straight to the Baptistery of St. John. The crisp February air nipped at our cheeks, but the anticipation of seeing the famed octagonal building kept us warm. As we approached, I was immediately struck by the geometric patterns of the white Carrara and green Prato marble that clad its exterior. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining the countless Florentines who had been baptized within its walls.

Inside, the Baptistery was even more breathtaking. The mosaics that adorned the dome shimmered in the soft light, depicting scenes from the Bible with intricate detail. I was particularly captivated by the stories of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence, whose life was immortalized in these glittering tesserae. Sophie, with her keen eye for detail, was fascinated by the marble floor, its patterns reminiscent of ancient fabrics and designs.

The Baptistery's doors, especially the Gates of Paradise, were truly awe-inspiring. These gilded bronze panels, created by Lorenzo Ghiberti, depict scenes from the Old Testament with such realism and beauty that Michelangelo himself declared them worthy of paradise. I found myself lost in the details of each panel, marveling at the skill and artistry of the Renaissance masters.


Discover the breathtaking Baptistery of St. John in Florence, where history, art, and architectural beauty converge in a stunning Renaissance masterpiece.

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

Ascending Giotto's Bell Tower: A Bird's-Eye View of Florence

Next on our itinerary was Giotto's Bell Tower, a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture. The bell tower stands tall and elegant next to the Duomo, its intricate marble cladding mirroring the cathedral's grandeur. The prospect of climbing 414 steps was a little daunting, but the promise of panoramic views kept us motivated.

As we ascended, we paused at each of the tower's levels, catching our breath and admiring the changing perspectives of the city. From each window, Florence unfolded before us like a tapestry, its terracotta rooftops, winding streets, and iconic landmarks spread out in a breathtaking panorama. I could see the Duomo's magnificent dome, Brunelleschi's masterpiece, rising majestically above the city. I pointed out Palazzo Vecchio and the Arno River to Sophie, trying to capture the essence of Florence's beauty in words.

Reaching the top of Giotto's Bell Tower was an exhilarating experience. The wind whipped around us, but the views were simply stunning. We could see the entire city, from the rolling hills of Tuscany in the distance to the intricate details of the Duomo right next to us. Andreas, with his engineer's eye, was fascinated by the tower's structure, while Sophie and I simply reveled in the beauty of the cityscape.


Discover the breathtaking Campanile di Giotto in Florence, a Gothic masterpiece offering stunning views and rich artistic history, a must-see for every traveler.

Opera del Duomo Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art

Our final stop for the day was the Opera del Duomo Museum, a treasure trove of original sculptures and artworks from the Duomo, Baptistery, and Bell Tower. This museum offered a unique opportunity to see the masterpieces up close, without the crowds of the Duomo itself.

We were immediately drawn to the original Gates of Paradise, which were moved here for preservation. Seeing these panels up close, I was struck by the incredible detail and craftsmanship that went into their creation. The museum also houses sculptures by Donatello, Michelangelo, and other Renaissance masters, each piece telling a story of faith, artistry, and Florentine history.

One of the highlights of the museum was Michelangelo's Pietà, a powerful sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Christ. The raw emotion and exquisite detail of this piece left me speechless. I could feel the weight of Mary's grief, the tenderness of her touch, and the profound sense of loss that permeated the scene.

The Opera del Duomo Museum also provided insights into the construction of the Duomo itself. Models, tools, and architectural fragments revealed the ingenuity and ambition of the Florentine builders who dared to dream of such a magnificent structure. It was a reminder that art is not just about beauty, but also about innovation, engineering, and human determination.


Explore the rich artistry of Florence at the Opera del Duomo Museum, home to stunning sculptures and historical treasures that bring the city's heritage to life.

After our museum visit, we strolled along Via de' Tornabuoni, Florence's luxurious shopping street. While I appreciated the high-end boutiques and designer stores, I couldn't help but feel that the real treasures of Florence were the art and history we had experienced earlier in the day. We stopped for a gelato, savoring the sweet treat as we admired the elegant storefronts and the vibrant atmosphere of the street.

We chose to have dinner at Ristorante Oliviero 1962. The ambiance was exactly what we needed after a long day of exploring. The warm lighting and vintage decor created a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for Valentine's Day. We started with the Sbriciolona tagliata al coltello e burrata al tartufo, a delightful combination of flavors and textures. For the main course, Andreas chose the Filetto di manzo alla Rossini, while I opted for the Agnello al forno in salsa di yogurt alla menta. Sophie, always a fan of pasta, enjoyed the Tortelloni di scamorza affumicata. The service was impeccable, and the food was simply divine.

As we walked back to Hotel Costantini, hand in hand, I reflected on our day in Florence. It wasn't a typical Valentine's Day celebration, but it was perfect for us. We had spent the day immersed in art, history, and spiritual reflection, sharing our love for beauty and knowledge with each other. Florence, with its timeless charm and artistic treasures, had once again captured our hearts.


Discover the charm of Florence at Hotel Costantini, a budget-friendly gem located in the city center with easy access to iconic attractions.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Palazzo Vecchio, the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, and the House of Dante, continuing our exploration of Florence's rich cultural heritage. I am particularly excited to see Palazzo Vecchio, as I have heard that it houses some incredible Renaissance artworks. I am also looking forward to visiting the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, which is known for its collection of sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. And of course, I am eager to learn more about Dante Alighieri, one of Florence's most famous sons.

As I drifted off to sleep, I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Florence, with its art, history, and spiritual beauty, is a city that nourishes the soul and inspires the heart. It was the perfect setting for a Valentine's Day journey of art and devotion. I am also reminded of the simple joys of life, like enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones or strolling hand in hand through a beautiful city. These are the moments that make life worth living, and I am so grateful to have experienced them in Florence.