A Milestone Birthday in Florence: A Journey of Art, Flavor and Reflection

Itinerary:

• Galleria dell'Accademia - Michelangelo's David €20 each

  • Via Bettino Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Florence, Italy

  • Daily 8:15am-6:50pm. Closed Mondays

• Wine Windows (buchette del vino) around della Academia

  • Via degli Alfani, 78r

  • Via Cesare Battisti, 6

• Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore - requires tickets. There are three entrances: the main façade entrance located on the west façade, north entrance features and almond sheet relief depicting the assumption of divergent, and south entrance

  • Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

    • Mon-Sat 10:15am-3:45pm

  • Battistero - The Baptistery of Saint John or the Baptistery di San Giovanni 

  • Campanile de Giotto

• Duomo Wine Windows (buchette del vino) around Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiori

  • Via de'Pucci, 4* - Cantina de Pucci

• Lunch

  • Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

• Mercato de Nuovo - Straw Market is located in the historic center of Florence

  • Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Florence, Italy

  • Il Porcellino is the local Florentine nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar

    • rub snout for good luck and ensure a return to florence

      • drop a coin between its jaws aiming for it to fall into the grating below on first tray to give good fortune

• Piazza della Signoria - L-shaped square 

  • Palazzo Vecchio - Free entrance

• Vivoli Gelato

• Santa Croce - largest Franciscan church in the world; it is also called the "Temple of the Italian Glories" because many of the country's great heroes are buried here including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini.

  • Piazza Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Florence, Italy

    • Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 12:30pm-5:45pm

    • You can buy tickets at the ticket office of the monumental office complex or online €8

    • Wine windows around Santa Croce

      • Piazza dei Peruzzi, 1

      • Via dei Benci, 20

      • Piazza di Santa Croce, 2

  • Ponte Alle Grazie - viewpoint/photo spot for Ponte Vecchio

  • Dinner: Trattoria Enzo e Piero

Santa Maria del Fiore

This journey to Italy marks a milestone birthday—an occasion to celebrate everything that holds meaning for me: history, regional food, art, and the joy of travel. Adding an even deeper layer, it coincides with the jubilee year of the Catholic faith, offering the perfect opportunity for reflection and gratitude.

As I celebrate another year of life, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am. While I don’t always take the time to count my blessings, this milestone has prompted me to reflect on my habits, aspirations, and priorities. Recognizing areas where I’ve fallen short, I’ve embraced this trip as a chance to realign spiritually and mentally. More than anything, I wanted to be fully present—to savor each moment without distraction.

Reaching this milestone has brought a greater awareness of my true self, including my unique style—something others have imitated in a way that feels like a flattering reflection of my individuality. I’ve never felt the need to compare myself to others or outdo anyone; I’ve always followed what resonates with me. As I get older, I’ve come to admire a few individuals as role models, drawn to their wisdom, tenacity, empathy, humility, modesty, and financial stability. I am actively working to bring those elements into my own life, prioritizing being put-together rather than just appearing that way.

Fostering positivity—both within myself and in my surroundings—remains a central goal. Yet, I’ve come to understand that self-discovery is an ongoing process. Ironically, I’m uncovering passions now that I wish I’d recognized a decade ago. But it’s never too late. What matters is moving forward without regret and putting my whole self into everything I’m passionate about—something I’ve always strived to do.

A Birthday Steeped in Art, Culture, and Indulgence

For my birthday, I immersed myself in the artistry and history of Florence, crafting a day filled with culture, beauty, and indulgence.

The morning began at the Galleria dell'Accademia, where I stood in awe before Michelangelo’s David—a Renaissance masterpiece that felt like the perfect gift to myself.

Lunch took us to Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, where every dish tasted like nonna’s traditional recipes. Paired with Tuscan wine, the meal complemented the day’s cultural journey.

In the afternoon, we explored the architectural marvels of Piazza del Duomo, beginning with the stunning Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore. Its grand entrances welcomed us with intricate details, followed by the timeless beauty of Battistero di San Giovanni and Campanile di Giotto—each a testament to Florence’s artistic legacy.

At the Mercato Nuovo, also known as the Straw Market, I rubbed the snout of Il Porcellino, Florence’s famed bronze boar, for luck. I attempted to drop a coin between its jaws into the grates below—said to ensure a return to Florence—but my coin missed its mark. Still, I hold onto the hope that I will return one day.

A stop at Vivoli Gelato was a sweet interlude, offering a taste of Florence’s famed gelato. The café features two distinct entrances—one for their coffee affogato and the other for gelato and baked goods. While I tried both pistachio gelato and coffee affogato, the affogato proved to be the more enjoyable treat.

One detail that truly captivated me was Florence’s wine windows, or buchette del vino. These small openings carved into historic buildings date back to the Renaissance era, originally used by merchants to sell wine directly to locals. Some have been revitalized today, offering drinks with a modern twist while preserving their historical charm—an enchanting way to connect with Florence’s past.

Evening Reflection & A Feast to Close the Day

As evening set in, Santa Croce provided a quiet space for reflection. Standing in Florence’s historic Franciscan church, I felt immense gratitude for the opportunities that have allowed me to travel, explore, and appreciate meaningful experiences.

This journey has been about more than just art and history—it has been one of self-discovery. Each moment reinforced the value of these experiences, leading me to acknowledge the path I’ve traveled and the adventures ahead. In that sacred space, I took time for introspection, seeking divine intervention for areas of life that need growth and renewal.

Finally, I captured the breathtaking Ponte Vecchio views from Ponte Alle Grazie, taking in the warm hues of the early evening light. Dinner at Trattoria Enzo e Piero wrapped up the day with a feast of Florentine flavors—a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable birthday.

A Celebration to Cherish

Every moment felt like a celebration of life and culture, leaving me with cherished memories that will forever warm my heart. Florence truly knows how to make a milestone birthday unforgettable.

📍 Follow along for more recommendations and insights into Italy’s most captivating destinations!