Florence is the light falling on an old wall

Before I came to Florence, I didn't have high expectations. But the moment you really walk in, you will understand why this place is called the "Heart of the Renaissance". It is not lively or noisy, but there is a story behind every street, every wall and every window. This set of photos was taken while I was walking and taking photos during my two days in Florence. 🧱 Walking in the old town, your sight will always be drawn to a dome or clock tower You may just want to find a coffee shop, but as you walk, the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore suddenly appears at the end of the alley. It does not "stand" far away like other churches, but is almost integrated into the city. It's right in front of you, so close that you can see the spots on the wall and the dust on the window frames. 📌 Tips: The Duomo area is very crowded, so it is recommended to go there before 9 am to avoid the large crowds of tourists. You need to make an appointment in advance to climb the dome. It is strongly recommended to choose the summit instead of entering the hall itself (the view is excellent) You can also climb to the top of Giotto Bell Tower, but the stairs are narrower and higher, so don't wear skirts or loose shoes. 🌇 On a street with light, even the shadows appear soft The streets in Florence are not wide, and most of the buildings are three or four stories high, with yellow-gray walls and dense shutters. When the light shines, it has a tone of "old times". I took a picture of an old lady walking through the smoke and light. I didn't have many thoughts at that moment, I just felt that Florence should feel this way - Old, but never tired. 📌 Sometimes "taking a good photo" does not depend on the angle, but on the light. It is recommended to take photos with a human touch in the streets after 3 pm, as the shadows will be longer and the three-dimensional effect will be stronger. 🏞️ The life atmosphere of the old bridge is the most unexpected surprise for me Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge in Florence and also my favorite street scene. The bridge is not an empty tourist corridor, but a small community with people living there, shops running there and flowers blooming there. I stood on the bridge next to it, looking at the orange walls and green shutters. Passersby sat by the bridge chatting, eating ice cream, taking pictures and basking in the sun, without any hurry at all. 📌 If you want to take a full picture of the Old Bridge, you can walk to the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita. There are fewer tourists here, and it is easier to find a spot to take photos. 🎠 People in the square are mobile, but the buildings are always waiting for you In Piazza della Repubblica, I took a very quiet picture: A man in a white shirt leaned on the balcony railing, looking down at the street. Behind it are symmetrical columns and light beige walls, and in front is a carousel in a corner. It was like the opening shot of an art film—no dialogue, no explanation. All you have to do is stand there and wait for the light to fall. 📌 Tips: Piazza della Repubblica is the more modern part of Florence. If you want to find a coffee shop to rest or take some photos of "city life", this place is very suitable. 🔍 Wine window really exists and is in use! Walking along a stone wall, I suddenly noticed a small wooden window. Next to it is written "Buchetta del vino" - a wine window left over from the 16th century. During times of epidemic, war, and plague, merchants sold wine through these small windows. I didn't expect that there are still some places that continue to preserve it and actually use it. 📌 Tips: If you see people queuing outside the door on the street but can't see the store door, Maybe the wine window is open for business! 📝 Finally, some suggestions for street photography in Florence (not a guide, just experience): Wear comfortable shoes, every street is worth walking Don't bring a heavy camera, the light and shadow will fill the picture for you Don’t rush to check in at the attractions, the beauty of Florence is hidden in the details 4pm to 5pm is the best time to take photos of "artistic tones" in my opinion. Leave some space for yourself to be in a daze by the bridge, to relax in a coffee shop, or to stop at the corner of an alley. 📝 Last words: Florence doesn't have many surprises, but it's solid on every front. Like a familiar painting, you already know what colors it will appear in. But you are still willing to read it one by one. You don't need to be particularly fond of art or have read the history of the Renaissance. As long as you walk in this city, you will understand what it means that "things left by time will not age easily."