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Medieval Florence

Duration

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

6 people

Languages

Chinese, English, Italian

Dine Like a 14th-Century Local: a Private Journey through Secret Palaces, Hidden Markets and an Exclusive historical Banquet

Imagine stepping out of the modern rush and straight into the heart of the 1300s. That’s exactly where I’m taking you.
This isn’t a scripted lecture; it’s a unique guided tour where it will feel like having a conversation between friends about art, life, and—most importantly—food.

We’ll start at the San Lorenzo Market. I’ll show you the “real” market where we’ll chat with the vendors and taste authentic Tuscan bites that have roots in the Middle Ages. You’ll see how many “gourmet” ingredients today were actually the “poor man’s dinner” back then!

Next, we’ll walk through the Medieval Quarter. This is where Dante Alighieri was born and bred. While we admire the massive stone towers and Gothic arches, I’ll point out the little details most people walk right past. Along the way, we might pop into a tiny vinaino for a quick glass of wine, just like the locals do.

Next stop will be Palazzo Davanzati. one of my favorite spots in the city. It’s an authentic 14th-century home where we can peek into the bedrooms, the “secret” courtyards, and the old kitchens. It’s the best way to understand how the Florentine elite really lived.

The Grand Finale will be a medieval Banquet in a cozy, private restaurant reserved exclusively for us.

An expert chef has recreated a Medieval Banquet using recipes found in the 14th-century archives of the Riccardiana Library. You’ll taste flavors that are bold, spicy, and surprisingly modern.

It’s a sensory experience you won’t find in any guidebook, but it will be served right on your plate.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the ingredients and flavors that defined medieval Florence with a guided tasting of authentic local products.
Step inside a beautifully preserved 14th-century noble home to uncover the daily life and "hidden" domestic secrets of the Middle Ages.
A stroll through ancient towers, palaces, and workshops to retrace the history and tastes of the city Dante Alighieri called home.
Enjoy an exclusive lunch featuring recipes from 13th and 14th-century archives, served in a restaurant reserved just for you.

Experiences

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San Lorenzo Market

The San Lorenzo Market is the vibrant, historic soul of Florence. Among its colorful stalls, you’ll find the same fresh ingredients—fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish—that graced medieval tables centuries ago. During our visit, we’ll take a real journey through time. After discovering which modern ingredients have medieval roots, we will stop at select stalls for tastings of traditional foods that still link Florence to its ancient culinary past. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s gastronomic heritage.

Palazzo Davanzati

Known as the "Museum of the Old Florentine House," this palazzo offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy 14th-century family. We will explore rooms filled with period furnishings, allowing us to imagine everyday life within these walls—from household management to the organization of grand meals. The highlight is undoubtedly the historic kitchens, where we can admire original utensils and learn how food was prepared and preserved. This guided visit reveals the secrets of medieval domestic life and shows us where many of our modern customs actually began.

A Walk Through the Medieval Quarter

We will then wander through the narrow streets and imposing tower-houses of Florence’s medieval heart—symbols of power and refuge for noble families in conflict. From the Torre della Pagliazza, one of the city's oldest structures, to the mighty Bargello, these stones tell stories of intrigue and ancient battles. It is impossible to discuss the Middle Ages in Florence without the presence of Dante Alighieri. The Supreme Poet left an indelible mark on Italian culture, and we will visit the very streets and churches he once frequented. But the Middle Ages weren't just about battles; they were a time of rich culinary traditions. In his works, Dante himself gives us a glimpse into the diet of the time: legumes, grains, game, and river fish. In this district, among ancient workshops and traditional trattorie, we will taste delicacies that have crossed centuries to bring us the authentic flavors of medieval Florence.

The Medieval Banquet

We will conclude our journey with a truly unforgettable culinary experience. A private restaurant, reserved exclusively for us, will host our Medieval Banquet. Here, an expert chef specializing in historical Tuscan cuisine will faithfully recreate dishes from the 13th and 14th centuries, some of which were rediscovered in the archives of the Riccardiana Library. This is a unique opportunity to bring the stories and traditions we’ve learned to life, tasting the exact dishes served at Florentine tables during the Middle Ages. These unique flavors reveal how the city's culinary DNA has remained intact over time—in fact, many of the dishes we will enjoy are still staples of modern Florentine cooking, serving as a delicious, unbroken link to the past.

FAQs

On the ground floor, you’ll find the traditional historic market with butchers, poultry sellers, and specialty food stalls that preserve the atmosphere of "old Florence." This floor is usually open Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Saturdays until 5:00 PM). The first floor houses the modern Mercato Centrale, a vibrant gastronomic hub with kitchens open every day from 9:00 AM to midnight—ideal for those looking for a more contemporary experience.

The full ticket is €8, reduced is €2, and it is free for visitors under 18. Hours can vary, but it is generally open in the morning from 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM, with some afternoon openings or alternating closures on Mondays and Sundays. On our tour, I handle the entrance logistics for you, so you can enjoy the experience completely stress-free! For more details, you can visit their official website: bargellomusei.it

Certainly! Since the tour is based on very natural, historical cuisine, we can adapt the banquet and the market tastings to various needs. Just let me know when you book so I can coordinate the most delicious alternatives with the chef and the market producers. Please note: This tour is not suitable for those with severe intolerances or allergies to gluten and/or nuts due to potential cross-contamination.

In the Middle Ages, the diet was based on grains, legumes, and game, featuring bold and spiced flavors. During our tour, we will taste dishes inspired by 14th-century recipe books found in the Riccardiana Library. The incredible thing is discovering how recipes born centuries ago are still the foundation of modern Tuscan cuisine: a true gastronomic bridge between past and present!

Choosing this tour means experiencing Florence in an intimate and authentic way, far from the standardized tourist paths. The real difference is that here, history isn't just something you hear—it’s something you touch and taste.
This is the perfect tour if you are looking for a genuine connection with the city, if you love the small details of daily life from the past, and if you want to discover the secrets of ancient Tuscan cooking alongside someone who lives in and loves this land every day. In short, it’s not just a guided visit, but a true leap back in time—designed for those who want to return home with an indelible memory and the taste of history still on their palate.

Medieval Florence

Duration

Tour Type

Group Size

Languages

Dine Like a 14th-Century Local: a Private Journey through Secret Palaces, Hidden Markets and an Exclusive historical Banquet

HIGHLIGHTS

Experiences

San Lorenzo Market

Palazzo Davanzati

A Walk Through the Medieval Quarter

The Medieval Banquet

FAQs

What are the opening hours of the San Lorenzo Market

How much is the entrance to Palazzo Davanzati and when can I visit?

Can the tour accommodate special dietary requirements?

What did people eat in Dante’s Florence and what will we taste?

Why book this guided tour with Florence What Else?

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