Contrasts of Light, Florence, Italy

An evening of storm

The thunder rolls away

Sun breaking through clouds

Spreading light over the Arno.

Next morning is calm and clear

Morning sunlight pours over

Golden tinted buildings. 

Both images

Hipstamatic, Jane Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film

Villa Gamberaia, Florence, Tuscany

Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking magnificence of the scene.
You have climbed the hill to Settignano, continued upwards to the Villa Gamberaia,

walked down the drive and arrived at the terrace.

To the right is a stunning view over the valley of the Arno,

containing the jewel that is Florence,

the dome of the Duomo, unmistakable.

Brunelleschi's famed architecture forever a symbol of the city.

The historic city is perfectly framed by a stone pine and a low wall interspersed

with sculptures of urns and dogs, forever on watch.

The design of house and garden in this hilltop setting

is a sublime meeting of art, architecture and nature.

One feels truly awed at the wonders and perfection before you.

All images

Hipstamatic, Jane Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film

Florence Diaries 4

A beautiful spring morning

Marble statues on the terrace

Of the Bardini Gardens

Frame the Church of Santa Croce

Seen across the Arno

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film 

At sunset the Arno becomes a river of molten gold

Reflections of ancient buildings 

have rippled in this water for centuries.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

Florence Diaries 3

Early morning down on the Arno

The calm waters reflect the golden buildings

Glowing in the warm low sunlight.

Hipstamatic, Watts Lens, Pistil Film

Swallows dart through the clear air,

The Arno reflects a scene of glowing buildings

Much as it did in Renaissance times.

Hipstamatic, Watts Lens, Pistil Film

The church of San Frediano in Cestello

viewed from Piazza Goldini.

Hipstamatic, Watts Lens, Pistil Film

Florence Diary 2

Monastery of San Francesco, Fiesole.

This small window of a monk's cell

Appeals for the way the light pours through

Lighting the rough plaster walls

And the simple furnishings within.

Hipstamatic, Watts Lens, Pistil Film

A rough stone cloister gives shade from the Tuscan Sun.

Hipstamatic, Watts Lens, Pistil Film

Everywhere you go in Florence

The Duomo dominates the scene.

Brunelleschi's dome a constant landmark

Glimpsed through narrow streets.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

The Ponte Vecchio

Much loved bridge

Instant Florence.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film 

Florence Diary 1

Walking along Viale Niccolo Machiavelli

Villas in varying shades of yellow and terracotta

Shaded leafy lanes invite your curiosity.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Pistil Film

San Miniato stands in glory

High on a hill overlooking the city.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Pistil Film

The Renaissance City glows in the valley of the Arno.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Pistil Film

Cool and dark the interior

Of San Miniato Al Monte.

Rays of brilliant sunlight

Reflect off smooth marble columns.

Hipstamatic, Lucas AB2 Lens, Claunch 72 Film