La Passiagetta (The Evening Stroll)

On the Ponte Vecchio

View of Ponte Trinita from the Ponte Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della' Republica

Piazza della' Signora

In Florence, the tradition is to go for an evening stroll between 6 p.m. and 9, before dinner. The stores are reopening after being closed for the midday meal, and the streets go from deserted to packed in a matter of minutes. Everyone dresses up for these evenings out and it is quiet fun and civilized and a very social event.

Even at this time of year, the piazzas are crowded in the evenings, but nothing like they will be in the summer months and the fall.

Florence in the evening is even more breathtaking that ever. I’ve attached a few photos of the piazzas near my house that I frequent. The one labeled Piazza della Signoria has the building with the tall tower which is the Palazzo Vecchio. It has been the town hall since medieval times. You can see the back of the tower in the views of the street that I live on. It’s only a few blocks away. Last night it was a little damp and foggy which shows up a lot in the photo of the Arno River that runs through the center of Florence. The carousel and the cafe's are always a hit. The photo that seems to be on the street is actually on the famous Ponte Vecchio. I try to stay away from here because it is completely lined with jewelry stores. Jewelry like you have never seen is here! If you look to the end of the street in the photo, you can see the top of the ever present Duomo.

The evening stroll is a great way to meet people, get some exercise, have a gelato, and know you will walk it off, etc. As some of you may recall from my visit to Florence before, it was absolutely one of my favorite things! It still is, and I’ll let you know if I meet anyone interesting!