Cultural Immersion in Florence with Hans

Florence Beckons: A Captivating Start to Our Italian Adventure

After months of anticipation, Hans and I have finally arrived in Florence! The journey here was smooth, and the taxi ride from the airport offered a tantalizing glimpse of what was to come. Now, settled into our cozy room at the Capri Moon Guest House, we were ready to dive headfirst into the heart of the Renaissance. As a geriatric nurse, I'm used to planning and organizing, but I also love the spontaneity of travel, and I knew Florence would offer a perfect blend of both. The crisp February air nipped at our cheeks, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of our excitement.


Experience the heart of Florence at Capri Moon Guest House, where comfort meets culture in a charming setting. Explore nearby attractions with ease!


Our first day was ambitious, a whirlwind tour of some of Florence's most iconic landmarks. We started, of course, with the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, more affectionately known as the Duomo. As we approached, the sheer scale of the building took my breath away. Even though I'd seen countless pictures, nothing could have prepared me for the reality of its grandeur. The intricate marble facade, a tapestry of greens, pinks, and whites, seemed to shimmer in the morning light. The Duomo is not just a cathedral; it's a testament to human ingenuity and artistic vision.


Explore the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a must-see attraction in Florence, Italy.

The Duomo is more than just bricks and mortar; it's a symbol of Florence's enduring spirit and a reminder that even the most audacious dreams can be realized.

We spent a good hour simply circling the building, craning our necks to take in every detail. The sheer audacity of Brunelleschi's dome, a feat of engineering that still inspires awe today, was particularly captivating. I couldn't help but imagine the challenges he faced, the doubts he overcame, to create such a masterpiece. As someone who works with the elderly, I often reflect on the importance of leaving a legacy, and Brunelleschi certainly left his mark on the world. The history of the Duomo is fascinating. Construction began in 1296, but it wasn't completed until 1436, with the dome being the last major piece. Before the dome was erected there was a nearly 150-foot oval hole in the roof where the Florence Duomo was supposed to be. The building had continued with plans always evolving and becoming grander and more extravagant than the original, but the dome had been largely ignored as no-one had the solution of how to create the iconic shape they envisaged. The name Santa Maria del Fiore means Saint Maria of the Flower, and the cathedral got its name from the lily flower, which is the symbol of the city. We decided against climbing to the top today, saving that adventure for another day when we have more time to truly savor the experience. Perhaps we'll do that tomorrow before heading to the Uffizi Gallery, which I hear offers equally stunning views.



From the Duomo, we strolled towards Piazza della Repubblica, a bustling square that marks the heart of Florence since Roman times. The weather was chilly, around 6-7°C, but the atmosphere was vibrant and full of life. Street performers entertained the crowds, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the numerous cafes lining the square. The piazza was once the site of the city's Roman forum, then its old ghetto, before being transformed during Florence's time as the capital of Italy. The Colonna della Dovizia, also known as the Column of Abundance, marks the point where the cardus and decumanus maximi met and where the Roman forum stood. Today, the square is a hub of activity, a place where locals and tourists alike gather to soak in the Florentine atmosphere. We paused for a moment to watch the carousel, its colorful horses twirling to the sound of cheerful music, before deciding it was time for a coffee break.


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


We chose Caffè Gilli, one of the historic cafes in the piazza, founded in 1733. The cafe moved to its current location in the early 1900s, and it is known as a favorite place for artists and intellectuals. Stepping inside was like stepping back in time, with its elegant decor and impeccable service. I ordered a cappuccino and Hans opted for an espresso, and we shared a couple of delectable pastries. Sipping our coffee, we watched the world go by, feeling a sense of contentment wash over us. This was exactly the kind of experience we had hoped for, a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. I read somewhere that it is worth a visit to Cafe Gilli at least once because you pay for the location and the pastries are very good. It was delicious, and very creamy with a nice amount of coffee. It was a good way to end the evening.


Experience timeless elegance at Caffè Gilli in Florence – where every sip and bite tells a story steeped in tradition.


Rejuvenated, we continued our exploration, making our way towards the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II. As we approached, the sight of the bridge, its shops clinging precariously to its sides, was truly remarkable. The Ponte Vecchio is more than just a bridge; it's a symbol of Florence's resilience and ingenuity. The bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point where it is believed that a bridge was first built in Roman times. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1345. Originally, the shops were occupied by butchers, tanners, and farmers, but today they are home to jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.


Discover the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's iconic bridge adorned with shops and rich history, offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.


Crossing the bridge was an experience in itself, a sensory overload of glittering gold, sparkling gems, and the murmur of voices. I couldn't resist stopping to admire the craftsmanship of the jewelry on display, each piece a testament to the skill and artistry of the Florentine goldsmiths. Hans, ever the pragmatist, reminded me that we had a budget to stick to, but even he couldn't deny the allure of these exquisite creations. The Ponte Vecchio is a must-see when visiting Florence. As we walked along the cobbled river crossing, past the jewellers and the goldsmiths, past the impossibly elegant Florentines going serenely about their daily business, past the tourists gawping in wonder at the city's impossible beauty, I just remembered that I was walking in the footsteps of history. We paused in the middle of the bridge to take in the view of the Arno, its waters reflecting the colorful buildings that lined its banks. It was a picture-perfect moment, one that I knew would stay with me long after we left Florence.


For lunch, we had reservations at Trattoria Sostanza, a local institution known for its traditional Florentine cuisine. The restaurant was small and unassuming, but the food was exceptional. I ordered the butter chicken, a house specialty, and Hans opted for the Florentine steak. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor and authenticity. As we savored our meal, we felt a sense of connection to the city, a feeling that we were experiencing the real Florence, not just the tourist version.


Discover the authentic taste of Italy at Trattoria Sostanza in Florence – home to delicious steaks and classic Tuscan dishes.


As the afternoon wore on, we decided to seek out a different kind of Florentine experience, a taste of the city's nightlife. We ventured into the Oltrarno neighborhood, known for its artisan workshops and trendy bars, in search of Mad - Souls & Spirits, a cocktail bar recommended by a friend. Tucked away on a quiet street, the bar was small and intimate, with a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. The bartender was a master mixologist, crafting innovative cocktails with a playful twist. I ordered a gin-based concoction with local herbs, and Hans chose a Negroni, a classic Florentine cocktail. As we sipped our drinks, we chatted with the locals, learning about their lives and experiences in Florence. It was a far cry from the grandeur of the Duomo or the Ponte Vecchio, but it was just as authentic, a glimpse into the everyday life of the city. I had read that Mad - Souls & Spirits is a captivating sanctuary for those with a penchant for unconventional experiences. The bar is a testament to artistic ingenuity, blending the world of mixology with an avant-garde ambiance that captures the essence of bohemian chic. It is unpretentious and serves raw crudite, olives, chips and finger panini like tramezzini.


Discover Mad - Souls & Spirits, where innovative cocktails meet a vibrant nightlife in the heart of Florence.


For dinner, we had reservations at Il Santo Bevitore, a restaurant known for its creative Tuscan cuisine. The atmosphere was lively and convivial, and the food was delicious. I ordered the pici pasta with ragu, a local specialty, and Hans opted for the roasted pork belly. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor and showcasing the best of Tuscan ingredients.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Santo Bevitore in Florence - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.


As we walked back to our guest house, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The February air was crisp and cold, but our hearts were warm with the memories of the day. Florence had exceeded our expectations, captivating us with its beauty, its history, and its vibrant atmosphere. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and Loggia dei Lanzi, and I can't wait to see what other treasures this city holds. Although, I am a bit concerned about the weather, and I hope I remember to bring my umbrella tomorrow!