Italy - A Walk in the Park, Kazansky 2025-05-01

 

(IYKYK)

We decided to walk around the neighborhood. We are strategically near the train station as well as an Opera House and park that has markets, a hippodrome, and a ton of public art. We've done some walking to the north, so we decided to check out Cascine Park.

Sometimes I forget how steeped Florence is in war history; the numerous monuments around town will remind you. This one is on the grounds of the Opera House.

A nod to simpler times.

All the light posts have this very intricate design.

The Hippodrome is located in the park, noted by the the green oval on the map. They were performing some training in advance of Friday Night Lights - horse edition

This very large ferris wheel can be seen from our balcony and is lit up at night.  It's easily 60 meters high. It also serves as a lodestone as we walk around Firenze to orient ourselves in the winding streets. The statue in the foreground is HUGE and the relief in it's base is outstanding.

The Opera House is very near our condo and can be seen in a previous post. It's a lovely structure with some really nice architecture. and public art. It includes two theaters (indoor/outdoor) and an auditorium. Unfortunately, we won't be available any days that they are having a performance.  Maybe we just need to extend our time a few days....

This guy is on one of the inclined roof systems that are on either side of the entry (above). He's a great addition and a fun find.

It was unseasonably warm (by about 15 degrees!) and after our about 2 hour circumnavigation of the park - including a market that was pretty big and had some phenomenal clothes prices - we rinsed off and took a long nap.