Shortly after I arrived in Florence on February 1, I posted about the magnolia tree that was just budding out. Today I had a chance to check on its progress and wow! it’s close!
The video below shows the walk up to Piazza Beccaria in Florence, with the 13th century gateway visible in the center with the flat roof. You heard me correctly. That is the 13th century gate into Florence called the Porta alla Croce. It was originally a part of the walls constructed in the 1200s that completely surrounded the little city of Firenze.
The image below shows some of the remaining walls that weren’t razed in the modern era.
During the 19th century expansion of the city, most of the walls were torn down but thank goodness the gates were left pretty much intact.
In the next video, I’m near the tree which is well into its annual flowering!
More of the tree.
Nothing really does the magnificence of this tree justice, but here are some stills to show the plethora of blooms that will break out with our next warm days! We’ll be in the mid to high 50s F (which reminds me, I gotta start thinking C soon) this week, so I’ll be watching this magnificent tree like a kettle about to boil!
The impressive architectural backdrop of Piazza Beccaria, which encircles the piazza, adds to the scene.
Stay tuned!
get back, lauretta! 
Good morning We have another snow day! All the schools are closed today! Our streets are very slick! It isn’t snowing now but is only 6 degrees outside! More snow expected this afternoon! Good day to read a book! Glad you aren’t stuck out at the lake! We will have to wait for our magnolias a bit longer! Enjoy!
Do like that kettle image.
Glorious. Freezing still, here.
Me too, I’m a tea drinker. Stay warm up there!