12 Photos of the Real Florence

Brianna Cariola is a student at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County, and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Florence, Italy.

After a semester of exploring this incredible Renaissance city and adapting to Italian culture, I was able to photograph some of the everyday scenes and details of a life lived in Florence

The red roofs and warm colored buildings of Florence.

Florence from above, taken at Giotto’s Campanile
Florence from above, taken at Giotto’s Campanile

Many Italian homes have balconies and terraces, often decorated with flowers!

Gorgeous wisteria and potted flowers on a terrace
Gorgeous wisteria and potted flowers on a terrace

A common mode of transportation in the city is the Vespa!

A lovely white Vespa parked in the courtyard of Le Murate Caffè Letterario
A lovely white Vespa parked in the courtyard of Le Murate Caffè Letterario

Another popular way to get around the city is by bicycle.

Cyclists enjoying the sunny weather in Parco Le Cascine
Cyclists enjoying the sunny weather in Parco Le Cascine

A nice spot to relax for the afternoon is the Giardino Dell’Orticultura, north of the city center.

Beautiful views of the garden and city from the top of Giardino Dell’Orticultura
Beautiful views of the garden and city from the top of Giardino Dell’Orticultura

My favorite market to go to is Mercato Sant’Ambrogio; with delicious produce, a section inside the pavilion that sells homemade pesto sauce, and many stands outside that also sell clothing!

Fresh vegetables at a stand in Mercato Sant’Ambrogio
Fresh vegetables at a stand in Mercato Sant’Ambrogio

All around Florence are little flower markets, brightening up the street corners and piazzas.

Enjoying springtime at a flower market near Loggia Del Pesce
Enjoying springtime at a flower market near Loggia Del Pesce

Happening a few times a month, some piazzas throughout the city hold antique markets. It’s so interesting to browse the different booths and see all the vintage items that these vendors have.

Delicate picture frames and antique tableware at a stand in Piazza Santo Spirito
Delicate picture frames and antique tableware at a stand in Piazza Santo Spirito

Day after day, locals and tourists alike can be found hanging out in the piazzas under the Tuscan sun.

People sitting on the church steps of Santa Croce
People sitting on the church steps of Santa Croce
The passersby of Piazza Della Repubblica, taken from the top of La Rinascente
The passersby of Piazza Della Repubblica, taken from the top of La Rinascente

Art is present everywhere in the city; from the famous Renaissance art and architecture, to the artwork sold by local artists on the streets!

Small watercolor paintings of Florentine landscapes on display at Piazza Della Repubblica
Small watercolor paintings of Florentine landscapes on display at Piazza Della Repubblica

And after exploring far and wide around this amazing city, I always seem to end up on a street that leads me right back to the center of it all, the Duomo.

 The Duomo in the afternoon light
The Duomo in the afternoon light

The world awaits…discover it.

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