Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

St. Mary of the Flower, the Duomo, in Florence, and a cherished dream.  Would she disappoint?

I arrived mid-evening, after a long days travel, with legs that needed to be stretched and a bubble of excitement inside.  Into the darkening streets, gay voices filling the air and a buzz of purely Italian sociability.  Waiting for that moment when, rounding a corner, there she was, shining like a beacon.  Beckoning me to come closer, in adoration, and gaze on her transcendent beauty.

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Round and round her I walked, gazing up at every aspect of her beauty.  Dizzy with the wonder of it all and beaming like a child.

Arms spread wide, my eyes followed her majesty up to the heavens.  I did not want my bubble ever to burst.  Easing myself away, with many a backward glance, I tried to reassure myself that she was real.  Never could I conjure such a figment of imagination.

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In the days to come I will be sharing with you some of the history, as well as the beauty, that is Florence.  Right now I’m clinging to the Indelible memory of that first night.  Thank you, Paula, for such a very apt prompt.

133 comments

  2. Are you still on cloud nine Jo? You and your little camera have created miracles darling, these photos are epic, so much atmosphere and glorious light. I love how you’ve written about it, with the excitement of the little girl inside you shining through.
    I’m so glad I’ve booked, otherwise I’d be tearing my hair out right now. I wonder if you went back in daylight? Was there enough to keep you occupied? You’d better have loads more photos !!! x:-)x

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    1. Now you know I can’t reveal too much here, Gilly 🙂 🙂 900 photos in 3 days, so yes, you might be seeing a few more 🙂 I could have done with another 2 days so I hope you’ve booked at least 5? Have a great weekend, hon! Anything planned?

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  7. A unique look at the architectural wonders of Florence – at night! I’ve never been there, but with my minor in art and my A-Z challenge on Renaissance artists a few years ago, I feel that I have. It’s on my bucket list!

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  10. OMG Jo – “our” Firenze-by -night, beautiful photos. I got goosebumps reading your article. Jo and I have been there so many times now that I stopped counting – it became sort of home-from-home for us, with many friends over the years. We took both our girls there too before they joined their respective colleges here in India. But it was only Andrea who dared to venture up the tower all the way to the top. Both want to return one day – I so hope they will be able to. Have a wonderful time there, will be thinking of you, and if you want a super restaurant only 2 minutes away go to Il Porcospino and say Ciao to our friends Valerie and Franco. Ciao ciao, Cara 😉😉😉

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      1. You’re more than welcome Jo. There’s something about night time photography that makes everything seem almost magical. Florence is so beautiful at the best of times though.

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  14. Those are cracking pix Jo 🙂

    Florence for me was Sunday morning, glance at the Duomo, and importantly, rush round the Uffizi. Sunday afternoon was train to somewhere else. Rome maybe? Would have to check the diary for detail!

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  16. Wow, Jo!! These are stunning photos and now I’m in my own bubble of joy, just looking at them. One’s spirits can’t help but soar when viewing such beauty. Indelible indeed!!😀😃

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