During my strolls through Florence, I bask in the moments of beauty that I happen upon.
Lungarno degli Archibusieri — April 9, 2025
It was half-past eleven when I strolled along Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli. I peered at the construction area where they’re rebuilding the wall above the Arno. At the Ponte Vecchio, I slipped between the visitors and locals going in all directions. The sun was gaining strength as it traversed the cloudless sky, making the colors of the buildings bolder.
After passing a few shops and a gelateria down Lungarno degli Archibusieri, I paused. When I looked over my shoulder, a young couple was promenading through the arches below the Corridoio Vasariano. With a group of tourists shuffling toward me and a taxi coming from the opposite direction, I pulled out my iPhone and snapped a photo. I waited until their shadows disappeared to capture a sliver of the Ponte Vecchio through the opening.
I dropped my shoulders and took a deep breath. Moments later, I was shoulder to shoulder with a family that split to go around me.
The city’s energy felt invigorating as more people arrived. I continued my walk to the Piazzale degli Uffizi alongside the sidewalk, watching my steps on the uneven stones. People gathered in the nook above the river to take photos and selfies. I glanced at the serene river and smiled.
I walked home, leaving Florence to visitors who came from afar.
Giardino dell’Iris — May 7, 2025
With great excitement, I crossed Ponte alle Grazie. I let the swift gusts of wind graze my face. The sun was becoming bolder by the minute while billowy puffs of white staggered overhead.
I hiked up to the Giardino delle Rose, where people were already lounging on the overgrown lawn. Roses of all colors and sizes filled me with glee. I couldn’t help but rush over to one rosebush and smell the sweetness of the pale orange roses.
After exiting the Rose Garden, I walked up to Piazzale Michelangiolo. I crossed paths with a swarm of students, descending from the large square. I winked at the David while passing alongside him. Once I descended the stone staircase, I let out a sigh.
It’s already been a year since the Giardino dell’Iris was open last. The woman who gave me the map mentioned that they had made several improvements.
I took my time to relish the irises with every step along the stone path. The velvety, multicolored flowers were all so captivating. Some were protected by a rope, while others I could approach. Just enough to enjoy their unique scent.
I zigzagged through the Giardino dell’Iris a few times. Even though the irises were the major attraction, the olive trees sprinkled across the hillside caught my attention. I loved it when the sun hid behind the clouds and then reappeared, as if to begin the day anew.
Since the garden is open only for a few weeks, I will return after it rains so I can admire the water drops resting on the iris petals.
Giardino delle Rose — May 14, 2025
When I reached Ponte alle Grazie, dark clouds were hanging overhead. The sky looked gloomy to the east, but appeared more joyful to the west, with spaces between the white clouds showing off the pale sky. A whiff of the chilly air invigorated me.
A handful of people were ambling through San Niccolò as I made my way toward the Giardino delle Rose. A few days prior, I walked through the Rose Garden while en route to the Giardino dell’Iris.
With the sun shining overhead, I stepped onto the lawn to stand amongst the rosebushes. I paused to relish the sweet scent of the roses and freshly cut grass. Every bush was overflowing with colorful roses that reached up to the sky. I went around and around the rosebushes. The colors ranged from white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and fuchsia. I dipped my nose into so many of them, trying to distinguish the distinct scents, like peach, powder, and lemon. By the end, I couldn’t remember which ones I liked the most, as they were all delightful.
I headed up to the upper garden after noticing the rope had been removed. They closed the area while they did some work on it. An intense burst of scents enveloped me as I hiked up the steps alongside the building. A variety of birdsongs filled the air to cover up the murmuring of cars passing between the garden and Piazzale Michelangiolo.
I sat on a stone wall between the olive trees with my feet on the grass. The sun warmed my back as the breeze cooled me off.
Large fluffy clouds staggered overhead, giving me the feeling that I was in heaven. They morphed into different shapes as the wind wafted, softly and gently. Tiny daisies poked through the blades of grass, adding even more joy to the area. Once the bells chimed, I navigated through the rosebushes once more, admiring the roses anew.
Fontane delle Rampe del Poggi — May 19, 2025
WAfter exiting the Giardino delle Rose through the iron gates, I walked up the Viale Giuseppe Poggi. A variety of birds were chirping from the trees as cars veered down the tree-lined avenue, braking before the curves, to end up at the Porta di San Miniato.
I inhaled deeply with each step. Overhead, a welcomed layer of clouds graced the skies. Tourists crossed each other going to and from Piazzale Michelangiolo.
I paused above the Fontane to take in the view. A backdrop of bluish green hills gave shape to the city with its light-colored palazzi (buildings), the Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Duomo.
After a large group of students passed, the area was empty. I jumped into the middle of the street to take a photo of the view with the robinia (black locust tree) in full bloom. Its white flowers added joy to the scenery.
Once a few more people arrived to snap pictures, I headed down the viale toward San Niccolò. I enjoyed the trees and flowers along the way.
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