All The Feelings To Be Felt
“Rejoice, O Florence, since thou art so great,
That over sea and land thou beatest thy wings,
And throughout Hell thy name is spread abroad!”
For Dante, there was a greatness within the city, a powerful and widespread influence associated with it. While for us, we may not have a way with words as Dante to describe Florence, but we will always have the feelings. The feeling as if being inside a painting, or being a piece of Renaissance art, the exaltation from the sunset colours or from good food. At the end of the day, all that matters are the feelings.
Florence always brings out a touch of poetry in us, and within its profound richness, there’s something that resonates beautifully with our poetic side. This is why Stylisphere chose the capital of the Italian Renaissance for the 48-hour trip. And if you have 48 hours to spend there, these are the top 5 things we advise you not to miss.
- Having good coffee at Caffé Gilli
You are in Italy and there is no excuse good enough on why you should not have an espresso. A coffee lover or not, you must make a stop at “the living room” of the city, Gilli. Opened in 1973, it is the oldest caffé in Florence. As Gilli likes to put it, it was born and grew up with Florence. Gilli considers itself as a point of reference for those who love fine pastry making, artisanal chocolate making and beauty. Its creations have Florence at heart and Gilli belongs to Florence as much as Florence belongs to Gilli.
- Try good cuisine while sitting on art
Have lunch at Atto di Vitto Molico
4 restaurant venues, each a very distinct environment, as 4 different souls complementing each other. Housed within the Corte Cosimo at Palazzo Portinari, one of the most evocative buildings in Florence, once being the residence of the Salviati family, Atto feels not only as a gourmet restaurant, but also as an art museum. The restaurant part is in the dining room where frescoes with episodes from the Odyssey, or scenes of daily life in the 16C can be marveled. The name of the restaurant Atto means Act and it is inspired by Chef’s Vito Mollica creations. Each of them an act of love for the customers and an act of responsibility for the land. Chef Mollica focuses on sea products served in unusual combinations. All ingredients are of the highest-quality; especially the home-made bread and great choices of olive oils from Tuscany and Umbria. Food and art combinied, food for the stomach and soul.
- Aperitif or cocktails at La Ménagère
Since 1896, La Ménagère has been a dream come true. Everything, all at once, but make it harmonius. The place is a garden, a library with more than a thousand botanical-themed titles, a bistro and a restaurant. A place so elegant you can enjoy at any time of the day.
- Shopping at The Mall
An exclusive luxury outlet with a huge range of brands. From Alberta Ferretti, Alexander Mcqueen, Armani, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, “The Mall” is the deal. Sales are currently on, so ‘girl math’ you will be saving while shopping.
- Dinner in style at Osteria Gucci da Massimo Bottura
In cuisine inspiration is the key. One may find inspiration from the childhood, or from the fresh, naturally grown vegetables. For Karime Lopez, Head Chef of Massimo Bottura in Florence, inspiration is found in light and colours; the ochre tones and the shades of brown of the walls; and the historic Florentine palaces. What inspires her throughout the day is put into her cookings, making Osteria Gucci not a simple restaurant, but an atelier of culture. Gucci Osteria is contemporary, yet maintaining the unique identity of Florence. The main restaurant with elements of green colour creates a lively atmosphere. Stylisphere went for the tasting menu, but there is an à la carte one you can choose from. The influence of fashion should not be missed. On the upper floors you will find the Gucci Garden, a museum dedicated to the Gucci fashion house, and we highly recommend you to pay a visit.
- Never miss The Uffizi Gallery
No matter how many times you have been to Florence, The Uffizi Gallery should be visited anytime. One of the oldest museums in Europe, with numerous unique masterpieces, where most of the exhibits are dedicated to the Renaissance era. Each visit gives you a different form of inspiration and allows you to get a different perspective. “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, “Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci, “Medusa” by Caravaggio, and “Venus of Urbino” by Titian all should be enjoyed at a slower pace.
Where to stay?
Our vanity side couldn’t skip staying at Hotel Calimala. A luxury hotel made special by the modern twist, where classic elegance of Florence blends perfectly with the modern design of the hotel. Gratefully integrated in the city’s architecture, Calimala is in the heart of Florence, only a few steps away from everything you need to visit.
Even in a brief 48-hour affair, all the good feelings will be felt in Florence.
stylisphere
most read
