As the summer turned to fall, I enjoyed many walks around Florence. Every time that Mother Nature communed with my beloved city to create a special moment, I snapped a photo. Sometimes it occurred while strolling along the river or just ambling through the streets or gardens.
Ponte Santa Trinita — August 19, 2024
In the early evening, I felt a pull to watch the sunset. I hadn’t done so in a while, as fewer clouds were roaming the skies. But yesterday, the patchy skies appealed to me.
Instead of walking along the river, I opted to navigate down Via Porta Rossa to Via de’ Tournabuoni, passing the Mercato del Porcellino, and arriving alongside the Statua della Giustizia.
Upon arriving on Ponte Santa Trinita, the shimmering sunlight on the Arno’s ripples infused me with a deep sense of serenity. I found my spot and took a seat. The gray clouds became darker as they stretched toward the charcoal mountains etched in the distance just beyond the trees in Le Cascine Park.
I turned my body to face Ponte alla Carraia as a steady wind from the west freshened up the early evening air, infusing it with a taste of tomorrow. As the sun drifted south-west, the clouds shifted and morphed into lovely formations, enticing me to observe them. The occasional murmur wafted past me as people walked behind.
An Arno Boat cruise boat, with only a handful of people, coasted below the bridge toward the sunset. The sun’s light peeked through a gash in the clouds and emanated a golden glow that oozed across the water.
I stood up to watch it slide across the resplendent colors on the surface of the Arno. As it passed below Ponte alla Carraia, I headed down Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli toward the Ponte Vecchio. When I looked back, the sun had disappeared behind the clouds, darkening the skies.
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli — September 6, 2024
Crowds gathered on Ponte Santa Trinita to bask in the view above the river as the sun dipped behind the clouds. A street musician, facing the Ponte Vecchio, sang while playing guitar. The vibe didn’t feel right for the grayish light overhead. A few boats passed over the ripples of the water, whose color also appeared rather muted.
I expected the sun to smear bright and vibrant colors across the sky. After a half hour, I decided to walk away. By the time I reached the Estate monument on the northwest corner of the bridge, an orange beam of light glowed behind San Frediano in Cestello.
I snapped a few photos and continued my way home. After every lamppost, I looked back. Lemon and tangerine colored streaks lit up the thin layers of clouds.
I continued taking pictures, each time rejoicing in the view along Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli. With my elbows on the cement portion of the brick wall, I inhaled the Arno, enjoying its grassy scent.
Upon reaching the Ponte Vecchio, the colors had all but vanished, leaving behind an ashy gray. I was grateful to have seen the sun’s artistic display before departing.
Giardino Bardini — September 15, 2024
In Giardino Bardini, pale orange and yellow roses offered their delicate perfume as I hiked up the incline towards the pergola. I paused after spotting the Duomo embraced by the hedges and wisteria. Summer is already a memory. The traces of autumn are everywhere: from the weaker sun, the cooler temperatures, and the cumulus clouds gracing the pale blue sky.
I traipsed through the olive grove where rosebushes displayed a few blossoms and the olive trees boasted countless tiny green olives along with a few yellowing leaves. Some visitors enjoyed drinks at the café, while others meandered along the winding gravel paths to explore the nature and enjoy the unique views of Florence.
Upon reaching the terrace behind the villa, church bells, starting with Santa Croce, chimed. As the sun was gathering momentum, it wove warm ribbons of air into the cool breeze. The wind was so soft that it grazed the leaves and only slightly moved the long branches.
After a couple and a family left the terrace, I stood at the edge and scanned the view. I caught myself pausing to admire the churches and notable buildings, but then my gaze jumped to the lush hills surrounding Fiesole, where villas were nestled here and there.
I inhaled deeply, absorbing my surroundings. Not only with my eyes, but also with my heart.
When a small group approached, I left the terrace and retraced my steps to the exit. Instead of admiring the view from the pergola, I delighted in the graceful hydrangeas that marked the change of season.
Via dei Tosinghi — September 20, 2024
While running errands before the shops closed, the sun came to bid me farewell. After leaving Piazza San Giovanni, I skirted my way around the crowds. As I entered the intersection between Via Calzaiuoli and Via dei Tosinghi, a golden burst of light caught my eye.
With no cars approaching, I walked a few steps toward the sun to capture this unexpected sight. Afterwards, I continued toward Piazza della Signoria, looking to the west at every crossing. But never was the sun as radiant, touching even the shiny stones with its warm glow.
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