Solo Renaissance Adventure in Florence

Florentine Echoes: A Day of Discovery

Today, Florence truly revealed its soul to me. It was a day of artistic immersion, historical reflection, and culinary indulgence. From the grandeur of Santa Croce to the vibrant Piazza della Signoria and the artistic treasures within the Bargello Museum, every moment was a step deeper into the heart of the Renaissance. The city's charm is undeniable, and I found myself completely captivated by its timeless beauty.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo. The restaurant is located inside of Hotel Lungarno, and has an elegant and exclusive style. It was a perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. As I savored the delicious pastries and strong Italian coffee, I planned my route, eager to absorb as much of Florence's artistic and historical essence as possible.

First on my itinerary was the Basilica di Santa Croce. As I approached, the magnificent neo-Gothic facade, adorned with varying shades of colored marble, immediately captivated me. Stepping inside, the austere interior provided a stark contrast, yet held its own unique charm. The basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1294 and 1385. The Basilica owes its name to a splinter of the Holy Cross donated by King Louis IX of France in 1258. I wandered through the chapels, marveling at the frescoes by Giotto, which illustrate scenes from the life of St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist. I paid my respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, feeling a sense of awe in the presence of such influential figures. The Basilica is also known as Temple of the Italian Glories, and it is easy to see why. The sheer volume of history and art contained within its walls is staggering. The Basilica had many Renaissance treasures including chapels, with five east-facing chapels open off the transepts, in which, the Vernio Chapel depicting the works of San Silvestro has a farmer crucifix.


Discover the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the final resting place of Italy's greatest artists and thinkers.

The beauty of Florence lies not just in its art and architecture, but in the way it invites you to step back in time and experience the world through the eyes of the Renaissance masters.

Leaving the Basilica, I made my way to Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florentine political life since the 14th century. The square was paved at the end of the fourteenth century and it has always been treated as the civic and political hub of Florence. The Piazza has monuments including Palazzo Uguccioni and the Tribunale della Mercanzia. The square was bustling with activity, a vibrant mix of locals and tourists alike. The Piazza has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century with the prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square. It was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530. The sculptures in Piazza della Signoria bristle with political connotations, many of which are fiercely contradictory. I paused to admire the Fountain of Neptune, its restoration having returned it to its original splendor. I also saw the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery, which was designed by Orcagna in 1376. I gazed upon the replica of Michelangelo's David, a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici. The square was a living museum, each statue and building telling a story of Florence's rich and often turbulent past. I took a moment to appreciate the history that unfolded in that very space.


Discover the captivating beauty and rich history of Piazza della Signoria, Florence's iconic square filled with art, culture, and vibrant life.

For lunch, I ventured to Trattoria Sostanza, a Florentine institution known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine. The white-tiled walls are hung with photographs and prints. The menu is decidedly Tuscan with highlights like finocchiona, slow-cooked beans, tortino di carciofi, and butter chicken, which is served sizzling in the pan. I savored every bite of the *bistecca alla fiorentina*, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The restaurant was filled with locals, a testament to its authenticity and enduring appeal. It was a truly immersive culinary experience, a taste of Florence that I won't soon forget.


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

In the afternoon, I visited the Bargello National Museum, housed in one of the oldest public buildings in Florence. The Museo Nazionale del Bargello is housed in the oldest public building in Florence, and showcases the most important collection in the world of Italian Renaissance sculpture. The palace was founded in 1255. I was eager to see masterpieces by Donatello, Verrocchio, and Michelangelo. The building itself is a monument of great fascination. It was built to serve as the first public building in medieval Florence. The rich and varied collections gathered there since that date, are the pride of the Bargello Museum. I marveled at Michelangelo's Bacchus, a breathtaking marble sculpture that demonstrates the artist's extraordinary talent. I saw Donatello's David, a bronze sculpture that is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance period. The museum's collection of Renaissance sculptures was exceptional, providing a comprehensive overview of the artistic achievements of the era. The Bargello's courtyard was enveloped by a porch on three sides, with arches that rest on octagonal pillars. There is a grand Gothic staircase in the courtyard that leads to a second-floor balcony and was added in the 15th century. An octagonal well features in the center of the courtyard.


Explore the Bargello National Museum, a treasure trove of Renaissance art in Florence, showcasing masterpieces by Donatello and Michelangelo in a historic setting.

Before dinner, I indulged in some retail therapy at Boutique Nadine. The boutique is simply me in a store. Boutique Nadine is a little gem that specializes in carefully selected vintage pieces as well as supporting and housing designs and jewelry from local emerging designers. There's none of that jumbled look you find at most vintage stores and sometimes that's exactly what you want. Their selection of vintage clothes, bags and shoes are a great mix of classical, sophisticated and quirky. I found a beautiful vintage scarf, a perfect memento of my time in Florence. The staff was polite and helpful. The shop has a great selection of fashionable but at the same time timeless pieces.


Discover unique women's fashion and accessories at Boutique Nadine, a premier shopping destination in the heart of Florence, Italy.

As the day drew to a close, I treated myself to dinner at Ora d'Aria, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its contemporary Tuscan cuisine. Ora d'Aria Restaurant is the dream of a boy who became a chef. The dining room staff was impeccable. Gourmet cuisine, seasonality, and winery are all part of the experience. From those moments, this strong passion to reach out and make my dream come true burst forth: to become a chef who knows how to give emotions and be able to tell about his experiences, his memories through his dishes, his food. The meal was a culinary masterpiece, each dish a work of art in itself. The flavors were exquisite, a perfect blend of traditional Tuscan ingredients and modern techniques. The restaurant's ambiance was elegant and sophisticated, providing a fitting end to a day of cultural exploration.


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

Reflecting on the day, I realized that Florence is more than just a city; it's a living, breathing work of art. Every corner holds a story, every building a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. As a UX designer, I am always fascinated by how spaces can influence human experience, and Florence is a masterclass in creating an environment that inspires, engages, and enchants.

Tomorrow, I plan to explore the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, continuing my journey through the wonders of Florence. I'm also hoping to visit the Giardino Bardini, and conclude the day at the Atrium Bar. I can't wait to see what new adventures await me in this captivating city. Good night from Florence!

As I prepare for another day of exploration, I'm reminded of a quote by E.M. Forster:

What is wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote it.

In a similar vein, Florence has a transformative power. It invites you to embrace beauty, appreciate history, and savor the simple pleasures of life. It's a city that stays with you long after you've left, a source of inspiration and wonder that enriches your soul.

Until tomorrow,
Yael

P.S. I almost forgot! I walked past the Palazzo Strozzi and saw a poster for the Tracey Emin exhibition starting March 16th. I might have to extend my trip!