Cultural Exploration in Florence with Friends

Florence From Above: A Day of Ascents and Serenity

Today, I embarked on a journey to experience Florence from a different perspective – from its highest points. It was a day of physical exertion, but the rewards were views that etched themselves into my memory. The chill in the February air was a constant companion, but the beauty that unfolded made it all worthwhile.

My day began, as most do here at Hotel Cantoria, with a simple breakfast. Fuelled and ready, I met up with my friends, and we set off towards Piazzale Michelangelo. The walk itself was invigorating, the crisp air biting at our cheeks as we made our way along the Arno. I couldn't help but reflect on how different this journey was from my usual routine in Bristol. There, my days are filled with lines of code and the warm glow of a computer screen. Here, I was trading pixels for panoramas, and I couldn't have been happier. We passed the leather markets, which Eleanor would have loved, and I made a mental note to return tomorrow to pick up a small gift for her.

As we ascended towards Piazzale Michelangelo, the city began to spread out beneath us, revealing its terracotta rooftops and the iconic Duomo. I paused, catching my breath, and was struck by the sheer scale of it all. It was like looking at a living map, history unfolding before my eyes. When we finally reached the Piazzale, the view was even more spectacular than I had imagined. Despite the February chill, there were a few other souls braving the elements, all captivated by the same vista. The replica of David stood proudly in the center, a testament to the city's artistic heritage. I took several photos, trying to capture the essence of the moment, knowing full well that no image could truly do it justice. The Florence Carnival parade is ongoing this month, but today the Piazzale was peaceful.


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

The beauty of Florence is not just in its art, but in the way its history and nature intertwine.

From Piazzale Michelangelo, we continued our ascent towards Giardino Bardini. The walk was a bit challenging, especially with the cobblestone paths, but the promise of a serene garden kept us motivated. As we entered Giardino Bardini, the atmosphere shifted. The city noise faded away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. Despite it being February, there was a quiet beauty to the garden, the bare branches of the trees silhouetted against the sky, and some camellias providing spots of colour. I imagined how stunning it must be in the spring when the wisteria pergola is in full bloom.


Explore Giardino Bardini, a stunning garden in Florence, where tranquility meets history and breathtaking views await every visitor.

We wandered through the garden, discovering hidden corners and breathtaking viewpoints. From one terrace, we could see the Duomo framed perfectly by cypress trees. It was a moment of pure tranquility, a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. We also saw the exhibition ‘Forme della Natura. Fotografie di Marcello Fara 2020-2021’ which was a welcome addition to the location.

Our final stop for the day was the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, a short walk from Giardino Bardini. By this point, my legs were starting to feel the strain, but I was determined to reach the summit. As we approached the Basilica, I was struck by its Romanesque architecture, a stark contrast to the Renaissance style that dominates much of Florence. I learned that the Basilica is one of the oldest churches in Florence, dating back to the 11th century. Unfortunately, part of the facade was covered in scaffolding due to ongoing restoration, but it didn't detract from its overall grandeur.


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

Inside, the Basilica was even more impressive. The intricate mosaics and the serene atmosphere transported me to another time. We were fortunate enough to witness the monks chanting, their voices echoing through the ancient walls. It was a truly moving experience, a reminder of the spiritual heritage of this city. I was reminded of the temples in Kyoto, and the sense of peace they instill.

After such a day of exertion, we decided to have lunch at Il Gatto e la Volpe. We were famished after all the walking, and the promise of a hearty Tuscan meal was too tempting to resist. It was a charming restaurant, with a rustic interior and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and we soon found ourselves seated at a cozy table. I ordered the filetto di manzo, and it was cooked to perfection. The pasta dishes were also delicious, and we all left feeling satisfied and content. We laughed and joked about the day's adventures, sharing stories and reliving the highlights. I made a mental note to recommend this place to Eleanor and Kenji when we return to Florence as a family.


Discover authentic Tuscan flavors at Il Gatto e la Volpe in Florence – where every meal tells a story.

As evening approached, we made our way back towards the hotel, stopping for a pre-dinner drink at Atrium Bar, in the Four Seasons Hotel. The bar was opulent and luxurious, with plush velvet sofas and a sophisticated atmosphere. I ordered a Negroni, wanting to try one in the city of its birth, and it was expertly crafted. The bar manager, Tommaso Ondeggia, clearly knew his craft. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.


Discover the luxurious Atrium Bar in Florence, where exquisite cocktails meet Italian culinary delights in an elegant setting.

For dinner, we ventured to Buca San Giovanni Frigest. Located near the Duomo, it was in a very convenient location. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were very accommodating. I ordered a traditional Florentine steak, and it was cooked to perfection. The meat was tender and juicy, and the flavors were rich and satisfying. It was the perfect way to end a day of culinary exploration. I gave them my allergy card, and they assured me they could make my meal safely.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Buca San Giovanni Frigest in Florence – where tradition meets taste in an inviting atmosphere.

As I sit here now, writing this in my hotel room, my legs ache, but my heart is full. Today was a reminder of the simple joys of travel – the beauty of discovery, the pleasure of good company, and the satisfaction of experiencing something new. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Ponte Vecchio and Brunelleschi's Dome, and maybe do some leather shopping, but for now, I'm content to rest and reflect on the day's adventures.

I'm grateful for these moments, for the chance to escape the ordinary and immerse myself in the extraordinary. Florence, you have captured my heart once again. I hope to see you again soon with Eleanor and Kenji. I know they would both love it here.

Until tomorrow,
Shota.