As I bring this Florence journey to a close, Iโd like to share the places that left a lasting impressionโฆand the flavors that made the experience unforgettable. This is a city that delights all five senses, offering quiet discoveries and sensory memories at every turn.
Santa Maria Novella Church & Pharmacy: A Scented Memory of Florence ๐ฟ
Just steps from Florenceโs main station stands one of the cityโs oldest churches, Santa Maria Novella. Passing through its imposing faรงade, we stepped into a space where colored light from the stained glass softly fell across the stone floor, and time seemed to slow.
Out in the cloister, with its stone arcades and bell tower, I felt far removed from the noise of the city. Itโs one of those rare places with a quiet atmosphere that makes you stop and breathe in the moment.
Just nearby is the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, often called the oldest pharmacy in the world. Perfumes, soaps, and herbal liqueurs, all born from monastic knowledge, fill this space with the art of fragrance.
The day we visited, a projection of delicate flowers transformed the interior, blending centuries of tradition with a touch of modern dreaminess.
Galleria dellโAccademia: Face to Face with David ๐๏ธ
Next, we went to the Galleria dellโAccademia to see Michelangeloโs David.
His towering presence and perfectly sculpted form were just as breathtaking as expected. The museum was established in 1784 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Tuscany, originally as part of an academy for fine arts. It began as a study collection, and today houses not only Michelangeloโs masterpieces, but also religious art and Renaissance works that quietly speak of devotion and time.
Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens: Tracing the Medici Legacy ๐ฐ
After crossing the Arno River, we headed to the Pitti Palace and its vast Boboli Gardens. The palace was purchased in the 16th century by Cosimo I deโ Medici, who, together with his wife Eleonora, transformed it into a magnificent residence. The grand halls now showcase works by Raphael, Titian, and others, reflecting both artistic splendor and the immense power the Medici once held. You can still feel that presence in the air.
Behind the palace stretches the vast Boboli Gardens, an elegant example of formal Italian garden design. With geometric paths, sculptures, and grand vistas, the garden preserves the grace of courtly life from another era. And yes, itโs enormous! We were lucky with the weather, and the view of Florence from the hilltop was truly breathtaking. The kind of view that fills you with quiet awe.
Trippa, Tartare, and a Sweet Finish ๐ฝ๏ธ
One evening, we stopped by a small trattoria during a walk through the city. I ordered the local classic: Trippa alla Fiorentina, or stewed beef tripe in tomato sauce. Itโs a dish born from a time when meat was scarce, when people made the most of what they had by carefully preparing offal and turning it into something delicious. The soft texture of the tripe and the gentle acidity of the sauce made it a comforting plate. As I ate, I found myself thinking, โThis feels a little like Japanese motsu stew.โ Not overly rich or intense, just a simple, hearty, local flavor that offered a quiet pause in the day.
My husband, a tartare enthusiast, was impressed by the Italian version he ordered, topped generously with pistachios and cheese. It had a distinct character, different from the French kind, with a savory richness and a nutty, well-rounded flavor.
For dessert, we shared a classic tiramisu and a rich chocolate ice cream.๐ Beautiful in presentation and satisfying to the last bite, the perfect way to end a day in Florence.
A Taste to Take Home: Dried Tomatoes and Truffle Aromas ๐ฎ๐น
At the market, I came across fragrant finds: dried tomatoes, truffle oil, and creamy truffle spreads. The vendor kindly explained how to use the dried tomatoes, and I later made a rich tomato paste at home. It paired beautifully with pasta and crusty bread, bringing a little of Florence into our kitchen.
Iโve shared the recipe for this tomato paste, as well as the pasta dish I made with it, on my blog Umami sans frontiรจres. Feel free to check it out and try it yourself!๐
๐ Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
๐ Bacon and Pesto Rosso Pasta
A City I Long to Return Toโจ
Art, fragrance, and food, Florence is a city that lingers on every sense. What I love most about Florence is how it never seems to change. The historic streets and buildings remain, quietly standing as they have for centuries, offering a sense of calm and continuity that I truly treasure.
Florence is a city where history stands stillโalways there, unchanged and quietly watching over the present. And one day, in another season, I hope to returnโฆto breathe that air and taste those flavors once more!
And just as I thought my memories of Florence were complete, I remembered something else๐ , a delicate rice gelato we had one sunny afternoon!๐จ No photo๐ข, just a fleeting taste, still lingering in my mind. Perhaps itโs a reason to return someday.๐
