Cultural Immersion in Florence with Friends

Florentine Rhapsody: Gardens, Basilicas, and Modern Art

Today was a symphony of experiences, a deep dive into the heart of Florence. From the tranquil expanses of the Boboli Gardens, to the spiritual embrace of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and the thought-provoking exhibits at Museo Novecento, every moment felt like a brushstroke on the canvas of my Florentine adventure. Let me share the day’s journey, filled with art, history, and the irresistible flavors of Tuscany.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Cuculia. Hans and I decided to try this place after reading so many great reviews. The restaurant was a unique blend of art, books, and culinary innovation. It felt like stepping into a cozy library where each dish was a chapter in a delicious story. I opted for one of the vegan options, and Hans, ever the adventurous one, tried a traditional Florentine pastry. The complimentary gazpacho, served in an elegant cocktail glass, was a refreshing start to our culinary exploration.


Discover Cuculia in Florence: A delightful fusion of exquisite cuisine and literary treasures awaits you.

With our appetites satisfied and spirits high, we made our way to the Boboli Gardens. The gardens, a sprawling expanse of green behind the Pitti Palace, offered a serene escape from the bustling city streets. As we wandered through the meticulously designed landscape, I was struck by the harmony between nature and art. Statues peeked out from behind hedges, fountains gurgled with playful energy, and the terraced hills offered breathtaking views of Florence. The weather was perfect. The sun was shining, but there was a cool breeze in the air. The gardens were truly a feast for the senses.


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

The beauty of Florence lies not just in its iconic landmarks, but in the hidden corners where history and art intertwine.

The Medici family's influence was palpable, their vision shaping the gardens into a model of the Italian style that would inspire European courts for centuries. I couldn't help but imagine the lavish parties and gatherings that once took place here, the echoes of laughter and music carried on the breeze. Hans, always the pragmatist, was more interested in the engineering of the fountains and the types of trees that dotted the landscape. We spent a good few hours exploring the gardens, discovering hidden grottoes and marveling at the sheer scale of the place. I made sure to bring my travel journal to take note of the different plants and sculptures I found along the way.

Leaving the tranquility of the Boboli Gardens, we ventured into the heart of Florence to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The basilica's façade, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, immediately captivated me. Inside, the soaring ceilings and intricate frescoes created an atmosphere of reverence and awe. I was particularly drawn to Masaccio's 'Trinity', a groundbreaking work of art that revolutionized perspective in painting. The play of light and shadow, the realism of the figures, and the sheer depth of the composition left me breathless. I lit a candle for my family back in Heidelberg, offering a silent prayer for their health and happiness.


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

After immersing ourselves in Renaissance art, we decided to explore the modern side of Florence at Museo Novecento. The museum, dedicated to 20th and 21st-century Italian art, offered a refreshing contrast to the historical masterpieces we had seen earlier in the day. The exhibits were thought-provoking and challenged my perceptions of art and society. I was particularly intrigued by the works of Marion Baruch and Thomas J Price, whose exhibitions were running concurrently. Baruch's textile sculptures, crafted from fabric scraps, spoke to themes of identity and consumerism, while Price's figurative sculptures explored the psychological embodiment of his characters.


Discover the essence of 20th-century Italian art at Museo Novecento in Florence, where modern creativity meets historical significance.

By this point, our stomachs were rumbling, reminding us that it was time for lunch. We had reservations at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, a Michelin-starred establishment known for its innovative Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant's location, overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio, was simply magical. We opted for the tasting menu, a culinary journey that showcased the best of the region's ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The sommelier, Salvatore Biscotti, paired each course with a carefully selected wine, enhancing the dining experience even further.


Discover the epitome of fine dining in Florence at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, where traditional Italian cuisine meets modern elegance.

In the afternoon, I decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Art & Fashion Vintage. The shop, a treasure trove of vintage clothing and accessories, was a delightful assault on the senses. Racks overflowed with garments from different eras, each with its own unique story to tell. I spent hours sifting through the collection, trying on dresses and imagining the lives of the women who had worn them before me. I finally settled on a beautiful silk scarf from the 1960s, a perfect souvenir of my Florentine adventure. It reminded me of the vintage shops back in Heidelberg. Aisha would have loved tagging along.


Explore the eclectic charm of Art & Fashion Vintage, a treasure trove of unique clothing, antiques, and crafts in the heart of Florence.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Ora d'Aria for dinner. The restaurant, another Michelin-starred gem, offered a contemporary take on Tuscan cuisine. The ambiance was elegant and refined, with a touch of whimsy. Chef Marco Stabile's passion for food was evident in every dish, each a testament to his creativity and skill. The dining room staff was wonderful, explaining each dish with so much detail. The experience was truly magical.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Ora d'Aria, where culinary artistry meets the heart of Florence's vibrant dining scene.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze to see Michelangelo’s David, the Museo di San Marco to admire Fra Angelico’s frescoes, and Piazza San Marco to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. I also plan on checking out Mad - Souls & Spirits, a bar that I read has wonderful cocktails.

Florence, with its blend of art, history, and culinary delights, has captured my heart. As I reflect on the day's experiences, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and wonder. This journey is not just about seeing the sights, but about connecting with the soul of a city, and discovering the beauty that lies within. And as a Senegalese woman living in Germany, I find that these experiences broaden my understanding of the world and enrich my own cultural identity.

See you tomorrow!