As often as I like I can take a walk planned for me in the 1860s here in Florence

After my enjoyable visit to San Miniato al Monte recently (and despite the scaffolding inside and out), I took one of the best walks in the city. Starting at the top of the hill with the church, I wandered down to Piazzale Michelangelo and then down the monumental pathway, complete with grottos and fountains on several levels, all designed almost 200 years ago by Giuseppe Poggi.

But first, let’s look at what’s visible from way up here:

Before I start walking down the hill, I took a long look at one of my very favorite views in all of Italy, maybe in all of the world! In the distance you see a long tall brown stone wall: this is one of the few remaining sections of the Medieval wall that once surrounded the entire city.

I like to look at this wall and imagine Florence completely enclosed within it.

Now I begin my pretty descent, serenaded by the churring of cicadas. It’s heavenly.

Below some shots