Florence Panorama

This is an evening view of Florence, just before nightfall, a view of one of the most unique and beautiful cities in Italy and beyond. I had in fact captured this view before, during a trip to photograph houses in Tuscany in 2008. But this time I made a special trip, for this one view, at this particular time of year, with just the light and skies that you see here, to capture this Florence Panorama.

Of course, I was not alone in photographing from this popular location, it was the end of July after all. This is peak tourist season in Florence, and thousands were there, waiting for the sunset. It was impossible to get a clear view through the masses, but I was not there to see the sunset. I was there for the twilight. With calm and patience, I sat down on a bench and quietly observed the mayhem unfold. Everyone was pushing and shoving to try to get a selfie with the sun setting behind the Ponte Vecchio.

But just as I had hoped, once the sun had slid down out of view, the crowds quickly began to dissipate. As evening approached, the sky came alive with the warm, evanescent glow of twilight, as the dying embers of the sun shone a fiery red into the beautiful crepuscular sky. The scene unfolding in front of me was just magical, and as I stood there in awe, I realised I was almost alone. The evening colours were as rich and mesmerising as I had hoped they would be.

I captured the series of shots which together constitute my panoramic views, as the city’s illuminations began to light up. There are so many wonderful ancient monuments in Florence which punctuate its wonderful skyline! The stone Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi’s majestic dome, the decorative Baptistry and the Ponte Vecchio each came to life, as they stood out against the dark blue of the distant hills and the rich red of the sky above.

Having studied the art of the Renaissance at the Courtauld University, I am (still!) quite knowledgeable of the sumptuous history of Florence. This brief trip here however has re-lit my love of this city and the unparalleled magnificence of its art and architecture. All of this beauty I have tried to capture into this one view. The Florence Evening is really something rather special.

Some years ago I captured this view during a balmy spring day, see it here

Related categories Europe Cityscapes | Panoramas | Panoramic Cityscapes | Italy | Europe | Cityscapes | Nightscapes