“Show and Tell”: Another look at Florence

Italy “Show and Tell” is a weekly series published on Sundays where invited guests share 6 of their favorite photos from their trip to Italy or life in Italy, along with a short description.

One of the fun about this series is the opportunity to see a place through different eyes. While we had a “Show and Tell” on Florence before, here’s another look at this breathtaking city. Heather O’Mara, a professional photographer who moved to Rome a couple of years ago for her husband’s work assignment, shares six of her favorite photos of this Renaissance gem.

And for more on what Heather “sees and experiences” in the Eternal City and Italy, check out her blog and follow her on Twitter at @HROPhotography.

6 Favorite Photos from Florence

1. The photo was taken in the Piazza della Signora, where a lion is protecting the Palazzo Vecchio. This piazza saw the famous Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497, led by the radical Dominican friar, Savonarola.  Also, in the square is a plaque to him, as his own bonfire happened here a year later.  Just to the right of this area is the Uffizi, one of my favorite museums.

Be warned, the “fireworks” in the Uffizi are the Botticellis, Michelangelos and other Renaissance paintings, all featured on the top floor as you enter. They reversed the museum flow and it has been a bit disappointing since.

Piazza della Signoria

2. Florence’s Duomo is a famous sight to behold as the construction and artwork cannot be described. A memorable experience is ascending to the top of the Duomo to look over the city. My husband and I did this one September, late in the day, so to see the amazing colors of the lowering sun. This past July, in sweltering heat, I laughed when my friend’s twelve year old complained as we traveled to the top. But, she gasped when she saw the view.  I think the trip was worth it.

Florence’s Duomo

3. An old bridge to check out is Ponte Vecchio, which means just that. However, it’s not just some “old bridge”. This bridge has seen and survived many things, even World War II bombings. Legend has it that the German troops were ordered not to destroy it.

Ponte Vecchio

4. The Ponte Vecchio is lovely day or night. It is mostly known for the many jewelers present, but long ago there were also butchers along this strip. When you reach the middle you do get a lovely gave on either side of the Arno.

Shops on Ponte Vecchio

5. The Florence Baptistry is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to its construction in 1059 to 1128. Three famous artists contributed to elements, they were Andrea Pisano, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Michelangelo. The building is also known as the Baptistery of St. John and has the status of minor basilica. In fact, Dante, many members of the Medici family and notable Renaissance figures were baptized here.

Baptistery

6. Florence, is flushed with interesting “backstreet stories”. I was able to hear some on a Night-time Walk by Dark Rome.  Our tour guide, Elisabetta, was excellent both in her descriptions and storytelling of the medieval times and the Medici family. The stories did not end with the most famous family of that era. My favorite was of a Sienese man who went to build quite a rich little empire for himself by slipping opiates into his competitors’ wine glasses.

As we see the sun has set in Florence in this image, be sure to try to watch this as well.  Observe the sun as it dips, colors change in the sky and across the Arno.  Another day has ended, who knows what the night will bring?

Night walk in Florence

Thank you Heather for being part of Italy “Show and Tell” and sharing these stunning photos!

Have you been to Florence? Share your experience and tips with us in the comments below.