Fiesole, a charming town surrounded by a breathtaking panorama, lies in the hills overlooking Florence. The history of Fiesole is very ancient and dates back to the Etruscan period.
Under Roman rule, the Tuscan town enjoyed a long period of prosperity, which continued until nearby Florence definitively took control of the surrounding territory at the end of the 12th century. Despite its dependence on the "city of the lily", numerous luxury villas commissioned by the Medici family flourished here.
During the Second World War, the town became known for the famous Martyrs of Fiesole, the sacrifice made by three Carabinieri who gave their lives to save ten hostages. If you are fascinated by these places, you could spend a weekend in Fiesole or discover Tuscany with one of our tours:
What to see in Fiesole
We have prepared a list of the things to see in Fiesole so you can enjoy the beauty of this town shaped by the Medici family at your leisure. Why not spend a day discovering the beauty of Fiesole?
- Villa Medici
- Fiesole Cathedral
- Castel di Poggio
- Fiesole Archaeological Area
And now let’s set off together to discover the most incredible places in Fiesole!
Villa Medici
Villa Medici is one of the oldest and best-preserved villas belonging to the Medici family.
It was commissioned between 1451 and 1457 by Giovanni de’ Medici who, passionate about architecture, decided to create a terrace on the top of a hill on which to build his villa.
Its structure is very different from those of previous villas, as it is open towards the outside, without military structures and without an internal courtyard.
The house had a cellar on the ground floor, stables and servants' quarters, while the upper floors contained the living quarters of the owners.
One curiosity about the villa is that it was here that the famous “Pazzi Conspiracy” was originally supposed to take place, according to which some members of the Pazzi family planned to kill the two Medici heirs by poisoning them at a banquet. Fortunately, the plan failed, but sadly the conspiracy was only postponed until the following day, during Mass at Santa Maria del Fiore.
Fiesole Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Romolo stands in Fiesole's main square and is one of the city's main meeting points. The church dates back to 1028, but it was expanded and restored several times over the years. The exterior is in the Romanesque style, very simple, and is flanked by a 42-metre-high bell tower. The interior is equally simple, but appears much more imposing and is decorated with a small number of highly valuable frescoes attributed to Piero Perugino and Nicodemo Ferrucci.
The cathedral also has a crypt supported by numerous small columns and decorated with frescoes depicting the Madonna and Child. The relics of Saint Romulus are also kept here.
Castel di Poggio
What makes this castle unique is that, despite its 14th-century appearance, it only dates back to 1826. The castle faithfully reproduces a complex that was destroyed in 1348 and was later rebuilt by the Alessandri family with architecture designed to impeccably imitate the original style. This imposing building is completed by a huge garden featuring holm oaks, oaks, chestnut trees, olive trees and cypresses.
Fiesole Archaeological Area
In Fiesole, you can visit an important archaeological area containing artefacts dating from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. Inside the park, you can visit a museum containing artefacts discovered in the area, as well as remarkable monumental remains such as the Roman theatre, the ancient baths and the Etruscan-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva.
What to do in Fiesole - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Once you have discovered the hidden wonders among the streets of Fiesole's historic centre, it is time to immerse yourself in the sounds and aromas in the shadow of this ancient village. For this reason, among the things to do in Fiesole, we recommend enjoying the tranquillity and beauty offered by:
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San Francesco Panoramic Viewpoint
Fiesole's distinctive feature is its location on top of a hill, which is precisely why it offers breathtaking viewpoints. To enjoy one of the most beautiful views over the city, simply walk through the Parco della Rimembranza until you reach the Convent of San Francesco.
The park offers an incredible walk among some of Fiesole's most hidden views and, once you reach the Convent, the panorama is unparalleled: some visitors have even managed to see Brunelleschi's dome in Florence from here!
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Hiking the Via degli Dei
from Bologna to Florence
Festivals and Popular Events in Fiesole
Fiesole is a town rich in festivals and popular events that can be enjoyed throughout the year, but summer is the best time to experience them at their fullest.
Throughout this season, in fact, the Estate Fiesolana takes place, a programme of musical and theatrical performances featuring productions by various theatre companies and numerous local bands.
Another interesting event you can attend in Fiesole during the summer is the Notte splendente di Fiesole. The event takes place in June and is a true marathon of food and wine events accompanied by numerous concerts.
Typical Dishes of Fiesole
The typical dishes of Fiesole's cuisine are mainly based on Florentine culinary traditions, which is why it is very easy to find Florentine steaks, castagnaccio (a cake made with chestnut flour), ceci al caciucco and stuffed onions on local tables.
In Fiesole, you can also visit numerous vineyards and olive groves and immerse yourself in the production and preservation of organic extra virgin olive oil and some of Italy's finest and most famous wines.
Did you know that famous American films such as “Letters to Juliet” and “Under the Tuscan Sun” were filmed among the many vineyards found in this area?
Eating and Drinking in Fiesole
Among the many restaurants in the centre of Fiesole, here are some that are worth visiting:
La Reggia degli Etruschi in Via San Francesco, 18. It is located in a paradise-like setting: an informal restaurant offering a wide selection of quality dishes. The starters, prepared with carefully selected ingredients, are particularly appreciated.
Bar Pasticceria Alcedo in Via Antonio Gramsci, 39. A small pastry shop that prepares all kinds of delicious treats every day. Particularly suitable for breakfast and snacks, it offers both sweet and savoury specialities to satisfy every palate.
Casa del Prosciutto in Via dei Bosconi, 58. A traditional trattoria serving local dishes without compromising on the quality of its ingredients. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere complete the wonderful experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Backpack on and off we go!
