Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Built at the same time as Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy - ca. 1287 - the piazza was originally intended as an overflow area for church members.  In the late 14th century, Cosimo Medici (the first of the Medici dynasty) began utilizing the piazza for the Palio dei Cocchi chariot race.  The two obelisks set to mark the start and finish of the race rest on  Giambologna's bronze turtles and were added in 1608.  Today, the piazza has been restored and cleaned up is is surrounded by upscale hotels and restaurants.  Street vendors and peddlers can be found at various times throughout the week, but the site is absolutely incredible  after hours when the tourists are in hotels suffering from their food comas and the locals have the sense to be at home~!   

© LMGFotography 2013; please do not use without permission.
longexposure nightphotography travel italy florence nikon italia fisheye obelisk firenze piazza nikkor giambologna piazzasantamarianovella 105mmf28gfisheye cosimomedici chariotraces d7000 paliodeicocchi