Exploring Florence: A Family Adventure

A Day of Florentine Wonders

Today was a deep dive into the heart of Florence, a city that effortlessly blends art, history, and culinary delights. With Aishath, Ibrahim, and my family by my side, I was eager to uncover the treasures that this Renaissance gem had to offer. From Michelangelo's David to the leather workshops of San Lorenzo, every moment was a new discovery, a fresh brushstroke on the canvas of our Florentine adventure.

Our day began with an early start, fueled by anticipation and a quick espresso from the hotel. The Galleria dell’Accademia was our first destination, and I was particularly excited to see Michelangelo’s David in person. Having studied art history, I knew the statue was impressive, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer scale and artistry of it.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is located on Via Ricasoli, and even from the outside, you could sense the artistic energy emanating from within. As we approached, the lines were already forming, a testament to the David's universal appeal. Thankfully, having pre-booked our tickets, we were able to bypass the queue and head straight inside. The museum itself isn’t overwhelmingly large, which I appreciated. It meant we could focus on the highlights without feeling rushed or suffering from art fatigue.

As we entered the hall where David resides, a hush fell over the crowd. The statue is housed in a specially designed tribune, allowing visitors to view it from all angles. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble, the David stands over 17 feet tall, a symbol of strength, beauty, and human potential. Ibrahim was visibly awestruck, circling the statue with wide eyes, trying to absorb every detail. Aishath, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the technical skill required to create such a masterpiece. For me, it was a moment of pure inspiration, a reminder of the heights that human creativity can reach.

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

After spending a good hour admiring the David, we explored the rest of the Galleria, which houses a significant collection of Florentine paintings, mostly from the period 1300–1600. It was fascinating to see the evolution of artistic styles and techniques over the centuries. We also took some time in the museum's collection of musical instruments, appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these historical pieces.

Leaving the Accademia, we walked towards the Basilica of Santa Croce, our next stop. Before heading to the Basilica, we made a quick stop at All’Antico Vinaio for breakfast. This panini shop is famous in Florence, and I had heard that it was a must-try. Fortunately, we arrived early enough to avoid the long lines that often snake down the street. I ordered a sandwich with pecorino cream, artichoke cream, and spicy eggplant. The bread was fresh, the ingredients were high quality, and the combination of flavors was simply divine. Ibrahim opted for a simpler ham and cheese, which he devoured in minutes. Aishath chose a vegetarian option with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, which she declared was the perfect start to the day.

Refueled, we continued to the Basilica of Santa Croce. This Franciscan church is not only one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Italy but also the largest Franciscan church in the world. As we approached, the grand neo-Gothic facade, with its varying shades of colored marble, was a sight to behold.

Santa Croce is known as the Temple of Italian Glories, housing the tombs of some of Italy’s most illustrious figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. As we stepped inside, the austere interior provided a stark contrast to the ornate facade. The sheer scale of the basilica was impressive, and the air was filled with a sense of reverence and history.

We spent considerable time admiring the tombs and monuments, each a testament to the achievements and legacies of these great men. Michelangelo’s tomb, designed by Giorgio Vasari, was particularly striking, a fitting tribute to the artistic genius. Galileo’s tomb, located opposite Michelangelo’s, honored the scientist who revolutionized our understanding of the universe. I found myself reflecting on the impact these individuals had on society and the enduring power of their contributions.

After paying our respects, we explored the chapels adorned with frescoes by Giotto and his assistants. These frescoes, depicting scenes from the lives of St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist, were a highlight of the basilica. The vibrant colors and expressive figures brought the stories to life, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious fervor of the 14th century. It was fascinating to see how Giotto’s innovative style influenced subsequent generations of artists.

We also visited the Pazzi Chapel, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The chapel’s harmonious lines and restrained terracotta medallions created a sense of serenity and balance. It was a perfect example of Brunelleschi’s genius and his ability to create spaces that were both elegant and functional.

As we left the basilica, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the artistic and intellectual heritage of Florence. Santa Croce was more than just a church; it was a repository of history, a testament to the enduring power of human achievement.

From Santa Croce, we made our way to Piazza di San Lorenzo, a bustling square known for its leather market. I had promised Aishath that we would find her a new leather handbag, and I was also hoping to pick up a few souvenirs for friends back home. As we entered the square, we were immediately immersed in a sea of stalls, each overflowing with leather goods of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

The vendors were enthusiastic, calling out to us and offering their wares. It was a sensory overload, but we soon got the hang of it, navigating the crowds and examining the merchandise. I was determined to find quality leather at a fair price, so I took my time, carefully inspecting each item.

After a bit of searching, we stumbled upon a small leather boutique called Davide Cerasi. Unlike the mass-produced items in the market, Davide Cerasi offered handcrafted leather goods made with care and attention to detail. The owner, Davide himself, was a charming and knowledgeable man who clearly took pride in his work.

He explained the different types of leather, the tanning process, and the techniques he used to create his products. Aishath was immediately drawn to a beautiful brown leather handbag, and I could see the quality was exceptional. The stitching was perfect, the leather was supple, and the design was both classic and elegant. After a bit of negotiation, we agreed on a price, and Aishath was thrilled with her new purchase.

I also found a few leather wallets and belts to bring back as gifts. Davide Cerasi was a welcome respite from the chaos of the market, a place where quality and craftsmanship took center stage. It was a reminder that, even in a touristy area, it was still possible to find authentic and well-made products.

With our shopping complete, we decided to treat ourselves to a late lunch at La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant. This restaurant had been recommended to me by several friends, and I was eager to try it out. Located in the heart of Florence, La Buchetta is known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and extensive wine list. We started with the mozzarella cheese tasting with cherry tomatoes, which was a delightful introduction to the meal. For our main courses, Aishath and I both ordered the gnocchi with pork cheek, while Ibrahim opted for the steak Florentine. The gnocchi was flavorful and unlike any other gnocchi we’d had before. Ibrahim thoroughly enjoyed his steak, declaring it the best he had ever tasted.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the Golden Tower Hotel & Spa, tired but content. Florence had exceeded my expectations, offering a perfect blend of art, history, and culinary delights. As I reflected on the day, I was filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, and Campanile di Giotto. I’m particularly looking forward to the gardens, as I hear they are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. And, perhaps, we’ll find time for a relaxing drink at Rasputin.

“Florence is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, offering endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration.”

Until then, arrivederci from Florence!