Returning to a City Close to My Heart
We visited Florence as a familyโฆnot for the first time, at least not for me. It was my fourth visit, my husbandโs second, and our childrenโs first.
The first time I saw the cathedral as a student, I remember being completely overwhelmed. I didnโt even know how to describe the feeling. The Duomo seemed to stand guard over the entire city; wherever I went, it was thereโmajestic and unwavering. For someone arriving from Japan, it felt like I had stepped into another world. I remember thinking, “I have to come back someday.” And I didโagain and again.๐
First Evening: Pizza and Wine to Start Things Off ๐
After arriving in the afternoon and resting a bit, we headed out into the historic center. From Piazza della Signoria to the Ponte Vecchio, we wandered through the warm evening air until we found a terrace restaurant for dinner.
Pizza and wine always feel like the right way to begin a trip. The kids chose Margherita, I ordered mushroom, and my husband had his favorite: Quattro Formaggi. The pizza had a classic red tomato sauce baseโcheese melting richly into the tangy, flavorful sauce.
What stood out most was how they poured the wine.๐ท The bottle came fitted with a small, flask-like glass attachment at the top, something straight out of a science lab. Curious, I askedโand was told it was a measuring tool, used to pour a perfect glass. A quirky and wonderfully Italian detail: practical, but with flair.
Exploring the Classics
The Cathedral and Giottoโs Tower๐ผ
Florenceโs iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fioreโcommonly known as the Duomoโis a stunning blend of Gothic and early Renaissance design. Its terracotta dome, engineered by Brunelleschi, dominates the cityscape and can be seen from nearly everywhere. Next to it stands Giottoโs Bell Tower, and both offer steep climbs for those willing to take the stairs.
In our family, โclimbing towersโ has become a travel traditionโso we tackled both. The kids raced ahead with youthful energy, while I took my time, pausing here and there to catch my breath. But the view from the top? Always worth it. Seeing the rooftops of Florence spread out below was just as magical as I remembered.
The Uffizi and the Glory of the Medici ๐ย
Commissioned by the Medici in the 16th century, the Uffizi Gallery is one of Europeโs most renowned art museumsโand a dazzling display of power and taste. Works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo grace its rooms, framed by ornate ceilings and corridors lined with classical sculptures.
It felt like every corner was steeped in Medici grandeur. For our children, who had studied some of this history at school, seeing it in person brought the past vividly to life.
Ponte Vecchio: Music on the River ๐ย
The Ponte VecchioโโOld Bridgeโโspans the Arno River and is one of Florenceโs most charming and historic spots. Once lined with butcher shops, today it houses jewelers and goldsmiths. Above the shops runs the Vasari Corridor, built for the Medici to cross the river in private.
At night, the bridge transformed. A singer performed beneath the open sky, surrounded by people who stopped to listen. It was one of those small, unscripted moments that make travel so memorable.
A Taste of Florence: Charcoal-Grilled Rib Steak ๐ฅฉ
We couldnโt leave Florence without trying some local grilled meat. One evening, we had dinner at Alla Griglia, a sleek, stylish spot known for its charcoal-grilled dishes. I believe I ordered the Bistecca parte costolaโa bone-in rib steak. Grilled over charcoal, it had a crisp, caramelized exterior and a juicy, flavorful center. Tuscan steaks are usually seasoned with just salt and pepper, which lets the natural flavor shine. Every bite was delicious.๐ On the side: rosemary-scented roasted potatoes (patate arrosto)โsimple, aromatic, and just right with a glass of red wine. The portion was satisfying without being overwhelming. A meal to remember.
Sweet Finale: Panna Cotta Perfection ๐ฎ
Time for dessert! While the rest of the family ordered their beloved tiramisu, I decided to try something different: panna cotta. Topped with berry sauce and powdered sugar, it was silky and coolโjust what I needed after a long, hot day. During our stay, temperatures hovered near 40ยฐC, so that chilled, melt-in-your-mouth texture felt like bliss.๐ฉตA quiet, perfect end to the evening.
Still More to Comeโจ
Our Florence adventures didnโt end there, but Iโll save the rest for another post. Next time, Iโll share our visit to Santa Maria Novellaโa monastery-turned-fragrant sanctuaryโand our taste of trippa, a beloved local dish.ย
That unforgettable panna cotta stayed with me, and I ended up recreating it at homeโalong with our familyโs go-to tiramisu and a white Quattro Formaggi pizza (my version skips the tomato sauce!). I hope these recipes bring a little bit of Florence into your kitchen.๐
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โถ Try the Panna Cotta recipe here: Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce โ A Sweet Discovery in Florence ๐ฎ๐น
โถ Classic Tiramisu recipe here: Tiramisu Classico
โถ White Quattro Formaggi Pizza recipe here: Easy Homemade Quattro Formaggi Pizza (4-Cheese)
