By: Natalia Leaf, Bijan Behzadi, Gillian Hess and Caitlin Hassan
The viral sandwich shops are great but…
A lot of people when they go to visit Florence look for the sandwich shops that they have seen on TikTok or Instagram. These shops have tens of thousands of reviews and lines that can last up to an hour, and they’re definitely worth a visit, but they’re not all that there is in Florence. As an American, and especially someone from the New York area, I have had a lot of great pizza and pasta in my lifetime. I have also had good sandwiches, but nothing I have had in America compares to the schiacciata here in Florence. Schiacciata is native to Tuscany and is one of the most beloved street foods in the region. It consists of flat, thinly pressed salted and oiled bread and all local and high-quality ingredients. This sandwich is truly a window into Tuscany’s culinary culture – each bite feels like a reminder of the magical place you are in.
I first came across Schiacciata Passera when I was on a walk through the Santo Spirito area, and I was immediately drawn to it. The post-it notes and keys on the wall let me know that the shop didn’t just have food, but had character, and a story. I walked into Schiacciata Passera and talked to one of the workers behind the counter, and he immediately made me feel at home. He told me all about how visitors of the shop donate their old apartment keys and leave notes for future customers to remember. Everyone who visits this shop becomes a part of the story.
I got “La Svampita,” a sandwich with Tuscan prosciutto, burrata, tomatoes, and arugula, and it was by far one of the freshest and most flavorful things I have eaten in Florence. The menu is full of interesting combinations and tastes and flavors, and anyone can find something there that is for them. The menu will also be sure to stay in your mind, as the names of the sandwiches are as memorable as the experience of eating them and the experience of being in the unique and authentic shop.
You must go to the Uffizi Galleries, but you also CANNOT miss out on…
The Uffizi Galleries are a must-see of course, but there are so many more museums that give a look into Florence’s unique history and blending of people and cultures. Museo Sant’Orsola is a fascinating place, unlike anywhere I have ever been. The museum was once a monastery that turned into a tobacco factory, before getting covered in concrete and turned into a police barrack, and eventually the structure became a parking garage. Today the space serves as a testament to the many lives buildings live in this historical city. You can get a sense for the building’s entire journey through the immersive and interactive exhibits that are there right now, with work from local artists who integrate their personal influences with the influences of those who came before them. The woven pieces and broken tile mosaics really left an impact on me, as these pieces represent how smaller pieces of character and culture come together to form a powerful and united whole. If you want to not only see, but be a part of Florence’s meshing of historic and modern worlds, you must visit this one-of-a-kind museum. Make sure to pay attention to every little detail in your surroundings when you’re there – you can learn something from everything you see.
The Boboli Gardens are beautiful but you haven’t seen anything until you visit…
The Boboli Gardens are a sight to see, especially in the Fall, but in my eyes it doesn’t compare to my visits to the Rose Garden and Bardini Garden. The Bardini Garden is considered a hidden gem since it’s less crowded and you’re able to admire the scenery. When I visited Bardini, the view left me speechless. This garden began during the Medieval Ages and it was passed down to the Mozzi family, then it would be acquired by Stefano Bardini, who would end up transforming it into the garden we have today. Even though it’s a bit of a climb to reach Bardini, the view of the city and the garden itself is worth the visit. I’d like to think of Bardini as a secret garden and it’s a place where I could sit down to take in the nature and history of this area of Florence.
Another garden that’s considered a hidden gem is the Rose Garden. I’ve been here twice during the semester and both visits left a good impression. You’re able to build a connection with this place because just like Bardini, it gives you a peaceful moment and an amazing view of the city. This garden was designed by an architect named Giuseppe Poggi who also made the Piazzale Michelangelo. Something else people probably don’t know is there’s a shortcut in the Rose Garden that brings you to Piazzale Michelangelo. Something special about this place is how a majority of people were enjoying their visit rather than being on their phones the whole time. It was then that I saw people really living the moment and appreciating the beauty and tranquility that this garden had to offer. If you want to find a place to sit down and find a great view of Florence, there’s no better place than going to both of these gardens. Spending a part of your day in any of these gardens will make your time in Italy special as it did for me.
https://www.uffizi.it/en/boboli-garden
Links to TikTok and YouTube Videos
TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR5MECAEfrh/?igsh=aWppZmd1cnljeGhh
YouTube: Instagram