Family Cultural Adventure in Florence, Italy

A Vista of Visions
Today was all about seeing Florence from new perspectives, both literally and figuratively. We climbed to the highest points, wandered through historical gardens, and discovered hidden corners that offered a different view of this magnificent city. It was a day of exploration and appreciation, a reminder that sometimes, the best way to understand a place is to see it from a different angle.

Our day began with an early breakfast at Caffè Gilli. Established in 1733, it’s Florence’s oldest café and still a popular spot. The pastries were delightful, and the coffee gave us the perfect boost for the day ahead. Sofia was particularly enamored with her chocolate croissant, declaring it the best she’d ever had. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off towards Piazzale Michelangelo.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.

The walk to Piazzale Michelangelo was a bit of a climb, but absolutely worth it. As we ascended, the city slowly unfolded beneath us, revealing its terracotta rooftops, elegant bridges, and the majestic Duomo. Reaching the top, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama. The entire city of Florence lay before us, bathed in the warm morning light. It was truly a sight to behold. The Piazzale itself is dedicated to Michelangelo Buonarroti and features bronze copies of some of his most famous works, including David and the allegories from the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo. The square was built in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of an urban renewal project when Florence was the capital of Italy.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are made when we take the path less traveled and allow ourselves to get lost in the moment.

After soaking in the views at Piazzale Michelangelo, we made our way to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, which stands even higher on the hill.


Explore the majestic Basilica di San Miniato in Florence, where history, art, and breathtaking views converge in a tranquil setting.

The basilica, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, dates back to 1013. According to the legend, Saint Minias was beheaded on the banks of the River Arno and, carrying his head in his hands, went to die at the top of the hill. The green and white marble façade is stunning, decorated with fine arches and a mosaic depicting Saint Minias, the Virgin Mary and Christ. Inside, the atmosphere was serene and contemplative. The geometrically patterned marble floor, the crypt, and the Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal were all incredibly impressive. Sofia was fascinated by the story of Saint Miniato, and Lena and I found ourselves drawn to the peaceful ambiance of the basilica.

Afterward, we explored the shop next to the church, run by the Olivetan monks who still manage the monastery. We sampled and purchased some of their famous liqueurs, honey, and herbal teas. It felt good to support the local community and take home a few unique souvenirs.

For lunch, we headed to Buca dell'Orafo, a small restaurant located just behind the Uffizi.


Discover Buca dell'Orafo: An enchanting restaurant in Florence offering authentic Tuscan dishes within a charming cellar setting.

This cozy spot, established in 1945, is known for its authentic Florentine cuisine. Getting there required navigating a maze of narrow streets, but the effort was well rewarded. The restaurant is located in the building of the old palace, owned by Santo Stefano Al Ponte, which has been the center of jewelers since 1200. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the menu featured traditional Tuscan dishes. I opted for the ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup, while Lena chose the fried chicken, and Sofia enjoyed a simple pasta dish. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was a perfect place to relax and refuel after our morning adventures.

In the afternoon, we visited the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling green space behind the Pitti Palace.


Explore the historic Boboli Gardens in Florence, a breathtaking blend of art, nature, and Renaissance beauty.

Begun in 1549, the Boboli Gardens are one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden style. The gardens are arranged geometrically, with symmetrical positioning of trees, flowerbeds, statues, and fountains. We wandered through the various sections, admiring the sculptures, grottos, and fountains. Sofia particularly enjoyed the Buontalenti Grotto, a whimsical space filled with stalactites, shells, and terracotta reliefs. The gardens offered a welcome respite from the bustling city streets, and we spent a leisurely few hours exploring its many hidden corners.

As we strolled through the gardens, I couldn't help but think about the history that surrounded us. The Medici family, who commissioned the gardens, were known for their patronage of the arts and their influence on Florentine culture. Walking through the gardens felt like stepping back in time, imagining the lavish parties and gatherings that once took place here.

After our garden adventure, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy. We strolled through the Florence leather district, browsing the many shops and stalls selling leather goods.


Explore the finest Italian leather goods in Florence, where tradition and elegance harmoniously meet.

Florence has been renowned for its leather production since the 13th century, when the Leathermakers' and Galigai's Guild was born in 1282. The city, together with a big part of the Tuscany region, represents in fact the hub of Italian leather goods production, especially with regards to high quality and luxury products. I was on the lookout for a new leather jacket, while Lena wanted a stylish handbag. Sofia, of course, had her eyes on a colorful leather bracelet. We eventually found what we were looking for, haggling with the vendors to get a good price. It was a fun and memorable experience, and we left with our new purchases, feeling satisfied with our bargaining skills.

Before dinner, we stopped by Antico Caffè del Moro - Art Bar Firenze for a pre-dinner drink.


Experience the vibrant ambiance and exquisite drinks at Antico Caffè del Moro, Florence's charming art bar that celebrates local culture.

This unique bar is known for its creative cocktails and artistic atmosphere. The drinks were beautifully presented and tasted as good as they looked. Sofia enjoyed a non-alcoholic fruit concoction, while Lena and I savored our Aperol spritzes. It was a perfect way to unwind and relax before our final culinary experience of the day.

Our dinner was at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Hotel Lungarno.


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

The restaurant offers stunning views of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. The ambiance was elegant and romantic, and the food was exquisite. Chef Claudio Mengoni's Tuscan and Italian cuisine was a true delight, with each dish a work of art. I chose the tasting menu, which featured a variety of local specialties, while Lena opted for the seafood risotto. Sofia, surprisingly, ordered the steak, which she devoured with gusto. The service was impeccable, and the entire experience was unforgettable.

As we walked back to Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa, the city was quiet and peaceful.


Experience the charm of Florence at Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa, offering luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and wellness services in the heart of the city.

The lights twinkled on the Arno River, and the Ponte Vecchio stood silhouetted against the night sky. I thought about how much we had seen and done today, from the panoramic views of Piazzale Michelangelo to the hidden corners of the Boboli Gardens. Florence had revealed its beauty and charm, and we had embraced it wholeheartedly.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Florence's iconic landmarks, including the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. We'll also visit Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique for some more shopping and Locale Firenze for an evening drink. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family.

Back at our hotel, Sofia was already fast asleep, clutching her new leather bracelet. Lena and I sat on the balcony, sipping a glass of wine and reflecting on the day. We talked about our favorite moments, the stunning views, the delicious food, and the unique experiences we had shared. We felt grateful for this time together, for the opportunity to explore this beautiful city, and for the memories we were creating.

As I write this, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Florence has a way of captivating your heart and soul, of making you feel like you've stepped into a Renaissance painting. It's a city of art, history, and beauty, and I'm so glad that I had the chance to experience it with my family. I look forward to what tomorrow brings, and I know that Florence will continue to surprise and delight us in unexpected ways. Ciao for now!