One of my favorite things to do here in Italy is to just walk and see where it takes me. Step outside the villa where I’m living, and in any direction is rich beauty, history, nature, soulfulness, and wonderful characters… everything and everyone a fascinating romantic story in itself. If you keep striding up the steep hillside, about 40 minutes up, you’ll arrive in the small ancient town of Fiesole, where there are remains from civilizations dating back to 8th century BC. There is a Roman-era amphitheatre where they hold classical and jazz music concerts in the summer, a temple, thermal baths, and relics showcased in a museum on site. There was only one other person walking around the ruins when I walked around this day, and she quickly left. The beauty, the quiet, the overwhelming history of this place took over, and the afternoon was magical! I absolutely loved walking on the stones and on the proscenium of the stage and along the baths walls – it’s all open for you to enjoy, contemplate, and frolick around.
One of my absolute favorite things here on the Tuscan hillside is all of the Olive trees! They are everywhere, and this particular tree (shown above) was right next to the amphitheatre (shown below) and with the breeze and sun behind it, it was just stunning.
Lots of walking up and walking down, on narrow cobbled streets with stone walls overgrown with moss and vines… all for the benefit of the spectacular views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside… as well as working off that pizza!
You don’t run into many people in and around Fiesole in February – a few ladies heading to early evening mass, a motorcyclist or two, a local nun, a few shop owners… Most of the mazes of streets are quiet and have high stone walls with an amusing dichotomy of either enormous estates behind gated entries or a teeny tiny door in the wall where a family lives – I love that!
Thank goodness my neighborhood is so beautiful, walkable and fascinating! Otherwise that daily salami and cheese habit would be the ruin of me :)
thanks for taking a walk with me!
baci,
Christa
Stunning and glorious! Jealous jealous jealous!!! How timeless all of the places and images are. Our way of life in the states just doesn’t have that kind of history. When I first saw the small door, I thought “but how do they survive without windows?!!?” And then I remembered that back in the day, it might have been to keep invaders out. Could you imagine designing a space with that thought in mind. “Hon, no windows on that wall, the Finkelsteins were looking pretty feisty last I saw them.”
And the ampitheatre… ahhh…
@Adrienne Gray
Adrienne,
I don’t think there are any neighbors named Finkelstein here.
xoxo, Christa
Romeo and Juliet could have been set in this backdrop. Gorgeous work Christa.
Very nice pictures!! your neighborhood is indeed very picturesque. Making me miss Italy more. Hope all is well.
xo-shiela
Thank you for sharing all of this beauty with us. It is so fun to see through your eyes for a few moments this am. I love how you want us all to have this experience with you thank you its just glorious.!
Nice pictures, yes strolling those streets and neighborhoods is a different experience than strolling the village in the palisades. Your comment on little doors and high walls, remember long ago people had to protect themselves at night, and homes needed to be secure from roaming bandits. Although its was many years ago that I went to Europe and parts, it left a big impression on me, romantically and culturally. Im glad your enjoying yourself and letting the environment sweep you away and work its way into your heart, soul and mind.
The beauty is breathtaking. I just love the first photo. You need to make yourself a book of all your travels and journal entries.
Stunning! Makes me want to be there even more!!!
dio buono, che bel fotos! What an amazing adventure you’ve created for yourself. Brava!
Great photos…and the fact that you can work on your glutes while taking amazing photos around such history is brilliant! So cool that you have created this experience for yourself!!
Dreamy!
Well seen and taken, great atmosphere in your presentation!
How did I miss this???? Spectacular photos. Love the mood, and the tree is just…. Just…. Wonderful.
Love it, Love it, Love it!
Christa,
Thanks for taking me along on your beautiful adventure through the streets of your neighborhood.
I can almost smell the streets and feel the cold air. Just love reading and feeling a little part of your world.
The image of the woman sitting in the amphitheater is so captivating. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it!
I’m tearing up. Life is beautiful, and the image of the olive tree just makes me melt. Love the way you’re living life. Thanks for sharing! Needed a little boost today. It’s gray and raining in san fran.
The olive tree really showcases your ability draw the viewer in with a variety of shapes & textures that don’t always reveal everything. I can smell the sun baked grasses and hear the gentle whispers of the leaves. Anyone can take pictures – not very many people can do this.
That is so beautiful! Wow you really captured Italy well with the camera.
I love it! I hope you’re well.
Alla prossima!
-Sean