Florence: Medieval Tower Pasta Cooking Class & Tuscan Wine

Summary

Make pasta from scratch in a medieval Florence tower steps from the Duomo

You’ll knead dough by hand in a medieval Florence tower just steps from Brunelleschi’s Dome, guided by a local chef who keeps things lively. Craft three types of fresh pasta and sauces before sitting down together for lunch with plenty of Tuscan wine. Expect laughter, floury fingers, and stories you’ll want to retell.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the echo of footsteps on old stone as we climbed into this medieval tower in Florence — it’s just around the corner from Brunelleschi’s Dome, but somehow felt hidden in time. The kitchen had these thick wooden tables and morning light slanting through narrow windows. Our chef, Marco, greeted us with flour-dusted hands and a grin that made me relax right away (I was honestly nervous about embarrassing myself).

We started making fresh pasta — real pasta, like nonnas do, not the boxed stuff. My hands were sticky with dough almost instantly. Marco kept saying “più energia!” and showing us how to knead until it felt smooth and springy. He told stories about his grandmother rolling out pappardelle on Sundays, and I tried to picture that — the smell of sage butter already drifting over from the stove. There was this moment when I finally managed to seal a raviolo without it bursting open, and everyone cheered (maybe too loudly for such an old building). The arrabbiata sauce simmered nearby, spicy-sweet in the air.

I’d never tasted ragù quite like this — rich but somehow lighter than what I’ve had back home. We ate everything we made at a long table beneath ancient beams, passing around glasses of Tuscan wine that seemed to refill themselves (Marco winked every time he topped me up). Someone tried to pronounce “tortelli” properly and failed spectacularly; even the chef laughed. It felt less like a class and more like being invited into someone’s family kitchen for an afternoon.

Afterwards, stepping back outside into Florence’s noisy streets felt almost jarring. Sometimes I still remember how my hands smelled faintly of flour all day — or maybe it was just the feeling of having made something real in such an old place. If you’re looking for a Florence cooking class that’s actually fun (and includes lunch with endless wine), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and cook fresh Italian pasta

• Arrive at medieval tower cooking school
• Learn pasta making process step-by-step
• Prepare ravioli, tortelli, and pappardelle
• Chef prepares matching sauces
• Enjoy eating the prepared dishes
• Drink Tuscan wine during experience

Top questions

Where is the cooking class held in Florence?

The class takes place inside a medieval tower from the 1200s near Brunelleschi’s Dome.

What types of pasta will I learn to make?

You’ll prepare ravioli, tortelli, and pappardelle during the class.

Are sauces included in the lesson?

Yes, you’ll also learn to make sauces like butter and sage, arrabbiata, and Tuscan ragù.

Is lunch included after the cooking session?

Yes, you eat everything you prepare together at the end of the class.

Is Tuscan wine provided during the experience?

Tuscan wine is served throughout lunch; soft drinks are also available unlimited.

Do I need to bring any equipment or ingredients?

No, all equipment and ingredients are provided by the cooking school.

Is this Florence cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join this pasta-making class?

Infants and small children can attend; specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes all equipment and fresh ingredients needed for making three types of pasta from scratch inside a historic Florence tower. A professional chef guides you through each step before everyone sits down together for lunch with unlimited Tuscan wine and soft drinks—all just steps from Brunelleschi’s Dome.