Amy’s “A Window with a View,” challenge this week has summoned some wonderful memories of exploring new places and finding unexpected visual treasures. Since the “dust” still hasn’t settled from our road trip to the Southern United States earlier this week, I pulled a few favorite shots from my archives.
View from the Museo della Misericordia, Firenze
Things changed, people changed, and the world went rolling along right outside the window.~Nicholas Sparks
On a whim, I looked out this second-floor window when we were visiting the Museo della Misericordia in Florence earlier this year. Imagine my surprise when I saw this unobstructed view of the Duomo, Baptistry, and the throngs of visitors in the Piazza del Duomo under a moody sky.

View from the Misericordia Museum, Florence
View from the Borghese Palace, Roma
Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.~Edith Wharton
One summer afternoon, we were visiting the Borghese Palace in Rome when I looked out the window at this gorgeous courtyard. I love the colors of the buildings and the sky, and the wonderful majestic architecture.

Borghese Palace, Roma, Italia. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.
View of Piazza Beccaria, Florence
What light through yonder window breaks?~William Shakespeare
The light in Florence is remarkably intense, highlighting the city’s natural beauty. In this shot, you can see the sun setting in Piazza Beccaria, the focal point of Santa Croce, a neighborhood just outside the historic center of the city. This triumphal arch was first opened in 1865, and marks the site of the medieval gate of Porta alla Croce. Among the shops that rim the piazza, there is a wonderful gelato place, Gelateria De’ Medici, which is our favorite in town, so you’ll often find us here.
Dali in the Window, Instituto Cervantes, Chicago
You are your state of mind. Your state of mind creates your view, or your window, on life.~Frederick Lenz
One frigid night in Chicago, I glanced up at this second floor window of the Instituto Cervantes. Guess who was peering down at me from the second floor window? I still smile every time I see Salvador Dali staring at the pedestrians on Ohio Street.

Dali in the Window, Chicago, IL
Oxford University in the Window
I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all like an opera.~William Butler Yeats
This next photo was a complete surprise. We were visiting the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford to see Robert Streater’s amazing painted ceiling. On a whim, we climbed the stairs to the roof and were treated to this wonderful view of Oxford University through the window.
Amy’s wonderful theme this week has given me a chance to re-visit these times of delight, wonder and discovery. Thank you, Amy! These moments are some of the unexpected treasures of traveling.
Please visit Amy’s site to see her beautiful window views and be sure to link to her original post if you join us this week. (Links posted within the Reader are not working correctly.) Use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you. Next week, it’s Tina’s turn to host challenge #80. As always, Amy, Ann-Christine, Tina and I hope you will join us and thank you for your support!
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Beautifully shot windows, Patti. Love the Borghese.
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Thank you, thank you, Jane! The Borghese was shot on a perfect summer’s day. Not too hot.
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Beautiful set of window views, Patti! From Florence to Oxford. I love all of these captures. 🙂
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Thank you very much, Amy. I’m thankful for your inspiring theme! I was delighted to find these shots in my files.
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Great views:)
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Thank you very much, MM. Each one had a great memory “attached” to it!
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These are wonderful Patti – haven’t been to Florence in at least 10 years so thank you for the memory. My favorite of this set is the View of Piazza Beccaria. Love the way the beautiful antique-looking window is included with the scene.
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I so love the Borghese windows Patti. The Dali is a classic and such a great angle 🙂
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Thank you, Brian. It almost looks like Dali has a twinkle in his eyes. The old mischief-maker!! I’m delighted you like these shots.
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Inspired me to look for a Dali photo of mine but couldn’t find it so luckily I had one of his art works shot through a window among my folder
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Wonderful!
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That sunset is marvelous and I really like what you did with the window reflection and actual view.
janet
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Hi, Janet. Thank you! It took a bit of positioning and experimenting, but I’m glad it worked for you!! I’m happy also, which isn’t often the case!!
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Marvelous, Patti! All beauties, but my favorite is the Borghese window. The patina, the colours, the angle – it has got everything I love.
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Thank you, thank you! That summer’s day at the Borghese will always be in my memory! Now I’m wondering about your windows. I’ll stop by next.
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Beautiful! Yeats and View from the Misericordia are my favorites.
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Thank you very much, John. That view out the window of the Misericordia was a total surprise. I’m very happy you enjoyed it, too. 🙂
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I live in Chicago and am always amazed at the stunning views, but my heart lives in Firenze. What a wonderful collection. Thank you for sharing.
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Hi, JoHawk. I’m with you–my heart is in Firenze. What a captivating place. But Chicago is also beautiful–in a totally different way!
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Wonderful images.
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Thank you very much, Christopher. I’m delighted that you stopped by and commented.
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It is a pleasure to visit these places through your views.
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Thank you, Ana! I’m delighted to share them with you.
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Postcard perfect, Patti.
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Thank you very much!! I love that!
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🙂
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Even Dalí is looking out of the windows…
Excellent series.
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🙂 🙂 He always makes me smile. Thanks for your thoughts, Rabirius! I appreciate that!
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Beautiful shots from the windows, Patti!
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Thank you so much, Aletta!
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I doubt I have anything that can compete with these, Patti! I especially love the Borghese and the last of the dreaming spires. 🙂 🙂 Have a great week!
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Thank you, Jo! I’m sure you have a lot more “candidates” than you realize. Sometimes, I’m surprised what I find buried in my files!
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Beautiful shots, Patti 👏 Here’s mine: https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2020/01/13/high-up-windows-lens-artist-photo-challenge-79/
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Thank you, Jez. Your shots are mind and neck-bending!
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Thanks, Patti 😁
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What a delightful post, Patti! Love the windows and moods you’ve captured with your lens! The light and colors are always so beautiful, be it in Florence, Rome or Oxford!
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Thank you, Sarah! I am delighted that you enjoyed it. The light is wonderful in those places. No wonder why artists are always chasing the light! I appreciate your thoughts.
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The view of Piazza Beccaria is certainly mesmerizing. Settling sunshine is acting as a cherry on top for sure 🙂
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I like that Hammad—a cherry on top! Thanks so much for your kind words.
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Beautiful windows and views Patti, I especially love the angles and light in your Italian captures 💜 xxx
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Thank you very much, Xenia. The light in Italy is amazing. I am in love with it!!
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The presence of such exquisite light in all of your window views is such a pleasure to see! I have not been to any of these places, but now feel as if I have. The sheer size of some of those windows is hard to believe!
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So true, OLU. The windows in palaces are “monumental”, for sure. I’m so glad these images gave you a taste of these places. Thanks too for your kind words.
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You’re most welcome.
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these are fantastic Patti!!!!!
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Thank you, Cybele. I’m so fortunate to be able to travel to these amazing places. I am very grateful that I can see these beautiful sites. I hope all’s well with you. I’ll check your site next. I see you’ve posted a new post.
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Beautiful Windows! https://talesfrommylens.net/2020/01/17/the-skinny-of-2019/
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Great collection of windows and their views!! I always love how a moody sky can add so much to the scene. That light in Florence reminds me of a setting sun I watched in George Square in Glasgow. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing. Awesome post😍
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Thank you!
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