Here begins a new life

“Here begins a new life”: these five words by Dante Alighieri sum up the feeling in Florence on May 1, 2020. 

Citizens returned to the time-worn streets, responsibly observing social distancing and wearing face protection, following the April 29 dispensation from the regional government of Tuscany permitting walking and cycling.

Francesco Spighi’s photographs capture the joy of children on scooters and locals stretching their legs in Florence’s streets and piazzas after a 50-day incarceration enforced by national authorities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

ph/ Francesco Spighi

Order one of Francesco Spighi’s iconic photographs of empty Florence, taken on commission for The Florentine, during the Coronavirus epidemic and make a donation to the city’s main hospital, Careggi. All proceeds from the sale of these photos will go directly to Careggi.