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The centuries’ old tradition of graffiti is alive and well in Florence, as witnessed by this sign that has been “decorated” by various “artists.”

Enter the gates at #3, and you will find yourself at a beautiful point of view over Florence. The city lies before your feet from this glorious vantage point.

Walk a little further and you will encounter the “dragon” from which the name of this little park within a park is named. It doubles as a fountain in the summer and is fun to see from the top or tail, or anywhere along the way.

Yes, indeed, it is a mighty fine view, any month of any year, Covid or no.

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I recently posted about the marvelous 19th-century glass house that is preserved for the public in Florence’s Giardino Orticultura. At the end of that post, I included an adorable private glass house that is a stone’s throw from the public garden.

I lust after this private glass house!

I love how the site is not square, but that did not daunt the patron or architect. They made an unorthodox shape to fit the site.

Here’s how it looks from down the street. It glows in the late afternoon sunshine of a December day in Florence.

It sits perched at the street end of what is probably a really nice palazzo, looking like a diamond sitting atop an engagement ring.

There’s no doubt about it, I’m in love!

There’s a beautiful home I walk by in my neighborhood a lot. Here it is:

It was obviously built during a time when rich materials and treatments were still available and maybe even somewhat affordable? Who knows. All I know is, I admire it.

I love the way the current owner has planted the terrace. It is beautiful in all seasons, even now, in winter, with red roses still in bloom.

Not far from the grand house pictured above, sits this smaller but still grand home. “La Villino Gisella.” Someday maybe I will give my home a name. Chissà?

I’m not the only one out enjoying the mild weather and sunshine. Many people are out walking their dogs and, being Italian, of course they congregate to socialize!

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Beautiful autumn colors and textures.

Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s beautiful altarpiece, now in the Uffizi Collection.

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When most people think of Florence, they think of Medieval buildings and Renaissance paintings and sculpture. But, Florence is a living, breathing city and I love finding traces of subsequent centuries throughout the city I am lucky enough to live in.

In the park that is called a horticultural garden that is a couple of blocks from my apartment is this gorgeous 19th century glass house. They were all the rage in the 19th century, especially notable in the UK. But, Italy has some too, as you can see here.

Look at how pretty it looks at dusk on a foggy evening!

The views from the hillside belvedere behind the glass house provides amazing views of the city. See the Duomo’s dome off in the distance, and Giotto’s bellower? Lovely.

And, not 3 blocks away from this public garden, on the major street leading out of Florence from here, on the Via Bolognese, is another period glass house that I adore. This one belongs to a private home. I would have loved being the owner of this 19th century glass house had I been a Florentine of the 19th century. What a luxury!

Lorenzo Monaco was one of the most talented quattrocento painters and I adore this altarpiece that is now in the Uffizi collection. What a wonderful herald of this joyful season!

For me, living in this Mediterranean climate is living in a wonderland. I love the many trees and shrubs that grow in this setting. One of the wonders of the fall are persimmon trees. Once they have lost their leaves, they look like gigantic Christmas trees decorated with large orange globes. I love them.

On a recent passeggiata, I came across this offering. Someone is sharing their persimmon bounty with passers by. They promise that the fruit are 999% pesticide free. With a promise like that, I helped myself to a couple. I don’t actually like the taste of persimmons, but I love their size, shape and color! Fall treasures!