As summer took hold, I meandered around Florence seeking solace either in nature or in the shady sides of the streets. I enjoyed admiring the monuments from afar as well as spotting other ones, like a tabernacle on a street corner.
Via dell’Erta Canina — June 6, 2025
As a layer of clouds staggered overhead, I walked along Viale Galileo away from Piazzale Michelangiolo. I craved more time in nature to experience a few moments of tranquility. I gazed at the facciata of San Miniato al Monte, but it remained hidden behind the scaffolding.
I strolled to my favorite spot to escape the cars zooming along the curved avenue. A quiet nook below the street, where a patch of greenery hosts a few olive trees. Every step along the stone path offers delightful views of Florence. I wanted to sit in my spot near the steps, but a small group of teenagers had gathered there.
After returning to the avenue, I decided to head toward a gated area and return to San Niccolò. A route I often take and enjoy.
I arrived at a narrow one-way road with palazzi on both sides. On a whim, I turned the corner and marched down it. Two Carabinieri stood at the gate of a villa while a postal worker flew by on his motorino to deliver mail. I saluted the two men as I passed by after one glanced at me. Even though they were in a conversation, they both smiled and said, buongiorno.
I continued along the street without knowing where it was heading. I hoped it wasn’t a deadend: I wanted to avoid passing by the men again. I didn’t want them to know that I didn’t know where I was going.
Children’s voices from a school I had seen across the valley earlier filled the silence for a few moments and then disappeared.
I continued as the road descended. The lush green leaves swayed from the stone walls. I stopped the moment the road ended. The Duomo glowed below the white skies.
After all my years in Florence, I think it’s only the second time that I happened upon this spot.
Birds were chirping as I continued down the incline. The warm scent of grass and white jasmine blossoms accompanied me past the leafy Robinia (Black Locust) tree. I kept my eyes on the cupola until it disappeared behind the trees.
I’m eager to hike up Via dell’Erta Canina again to take in this glorious view.
Via delle Conce — June 11, 2025
As the summer sun gains strength, I often seek other routes to get around the city. Shaded backstreets are my favorite because I encounter fewer people and relish the cooler breezes, albeit still humid.
From my place, I walked down Borgo Santa Croce to the basilica. I basked in the shade from the temporary stadium in the piazza as I gazed at the church’s white marble facciata (façade).
I rounded the corner below Dante and turned onto Via San Giuseppe, where tourists sat on the steps. As soon as I headed down Via delle Conce, my pace quickened. I could see the tabernacolo (tabernacle) and couldn’t wait to arrive at the intersection. I have always loved these sacred corners, and this one is one of my favorites.
I stood before the Madonna col bambino. Without a single pedestrian, bicyclist, motorino, or car in the vicinity, I took in all the details: the white iris in the middle of the painting, the red candle, a framed photo, and a white heart drawn in white chalk. The distinct lines of the sunlight on the buildings infused me with serenity as they gave balance to the corner.
Time seemed to stand still as I communed with it.
It wasn’t until I heard footsteps approaching that I continued to my destination, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio.
An hour later, with a large bag of groceries flung over my shoulder, I passed by it again. This time, from a different angle. I appreciated other aspects, like how the modern necessities of life were installed on the building’s wall with cables running behind the tabernacolo.
Scalinata di Via Crucis — June 28, 2025
The buzzing of the cicadas accompanied my every step up the steps alongside the Giardino delle Rose. I peered up at the tall cypresses along the Scalinata di Via Crucis, thanking them for offering so much shade. Couples and families meandered through the rose garden, where rose blossoms added a touch of color to the greenery.
I visited the makeshift café and sat down in the shade, sipping a lemon soda. I only crave them when the heat is overwhelming. A slight breeze swept by as I contemplated the panorama. Without a cloud in the sky, the city felt tranquil. The sun highlighted the rooftops and white marble structures.
I remained in place as the noon bells chimed. Their sound reverberated throughout the garden as butterflies danced above the bushes.
After finishing my drink, I walked back down the scalinata. As always, the Duomo shined like a jewel.
I paused a few moments, letting a few people pass by, before returning to San Niccolò.
Giardino delle Rose — July 15, 2025
Once gray and white clouds filled the sky, I was eager to visit the Giardino delle Rose. With the scent of rain lingering in the air, I marched up Via del Monte alle Croci to the entry in the garden’s stone wall.
Only a handful of people ambled along the pathways around the grassy areas where a few roses remained.
I stopped next to the fountain. The water splashed into the pond and sprayed the water lilies with a fine mist.
The orange daylilies along the stone wall caught my attention. I loved how vibrant they were against the patchy blue sky. The Duomo and Torre d’Arnolfo stood out in the distance as these flowers accentuated them.
I relished the harmony of the view, reveling in the different textures and colors while smelling the softness of the nature surrounding me.
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