Fiesole: Where to go and what to see

The town of Fiesole is just 2 km from Florence and can be reached quickly by car along Via San Domenico.

Situated behind the Tuscan capital, it offers a breathtaking view of the entire city, cradle of the Renaissance.

Fiesole is just under three hundred metres above sea level, inhabited since Neolithic times and one of the main Etruscan cities in the area.

At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries it became a favourite destination for foreigners in Italy. William Spence, the painter Arnold Bocklin and John Temple Leader all stayed here.

There are countless things to see in Fiesole, ranging from civil, military and religious architecture to the woods and hills, from historic buildings of medieval origin to the noble villas built up to the 20th century, from monuments to museums.

Fiesole: where to go absolutely

One thing to see in Fiesole is certainly the archaeological area, witness to the past of the city’s past and rich in points of interest.

It is located between Via Duprè, Via delle Mura Etrusche and Via Marini, immersed in greenery and bordered by the Etruscan walls.

Here we find the remains of some of the most important public monuments of ancient Fiesole: the Roman theatre, the Etruscan-Roman temple and the Roman baths.

In the same area we can observe traces of the Longobard necropolis dating back to the 7th century.

The area is completed by the archaeological museum, in Largo Fernando Farulli, which houses artefacts from prehistoric times to the classical age.

What to see: places and attractions not to be missed

Civil and military architecture, villas, religious buildings and museums characterise the city of Fiesole.

What to see:

Badia Fiesolana: consecrated in 1025, it is a perfect example of Romanesque architecture. The monastic complex houses the headquarters of the European University Institute European University Institute and boasts a distinctive 12th-century marble façade. It is in Località San Domenico, Via della Badia dei Roccettini 9.
Cathedral of San Romolo: Fiesole Cathedral was built in the early 1000s. It is Romanesque in style and underwent numerous transformations over the course of several centuries, until the comprehensive restoration of 1878-1885 that led to the reconstruction of the façade. It is a Romanesque basilica with three naves, embellished by the presence of the frescoes by Pietro Perugino ‘St Benedict’ and ‘St Sebastian’, the late Gothic triptych by Bicci di Lorenzo and the frescoes of the ‘Stories of St Romulus’ by Nicodemo Ferrucci. The cathedral is completed by two chapels on the right side of the presbytery and a crypt on the lower level. It is in Piazza della Cattedrale;
Primo Conti Museum: the Primo Conti Foundation Museum houses 66 paintings and 163 drawings by the artist. Works created between 1911 and 1985. It is located at Villa Le Coste, in Via G. Duprè;
Bandini Museum: dedicated almost entirely to Gothic and Renaissance art, it boasts works by Neri di Bicci, Jacopo del Sellaio, Bicci di Lorenzo, Nardo di Cione, Lorenzo Monaco. It is in Via Duprè 1.

The Roman theatre of Fiesole

The Roman Theatre of Fiesole was built between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D. in order to of hosting theatrical performances. It remained in use until the 3rd century A.D. before being abandoned. It came to light again as a result of excavations carried out in the archaeological area between the 19th and 20th centuries. Today we can still admire the tiers of the spectators and remains of wall structures that defined the stage. Between these two parts was the orchestra.

Two entrances in the upper part of the cavea and as many side passages covered by vaults ensured access. In the early days the theatre was enclosed by the scaenae frons, a wall marking the rear boundary, decorated with reliefs, statues and columns.

The Roman Theatre in Fiesole is an authentic landmark, not only archaeological but also cultural. It is here that the Estate Fiesolana is organised, a series of theatrical performances involving artists of all kinds.

Villa Medici

Villa Medici in Fiesole is one of the oldest villas belonging to the Medici family, as well as one of the best preserved. It was built in the 15th century for Giovanni, son of Cosimo Il Vecchio, on a pre-existing stately home.

The design and construction were entrusted to Michelozzo, whose collaborators were collaborators Rossellino and Antonio Manetti known as Ciaccheri.

Work continued from 1451 to 1457, with the construction of the building and the operations carried out on the land, plantation and orchards, as well as the furniture and furnishings.

The villa was considerably enlarged starting in 1469 by Lorenzo the Magnificent. From this moment, the building also played an important role in the cultural economy of the area, serving as a meeting place for men of letters.

From 1671 onwards, it was sold countless times to various Italian and foreign nobility until 1959, when it was purchased by the Mazzini family, the current owners.

Of particular appeal is the garden, structured on three terraces and characterised by the presence of holm oaks, cypresses, lemon trees, magnolias, hedges, fountains, wisteria.

Piazza Mino: the heart of Fiesole

The nerve centre and beating heart of Fiesole is Piazza Mino, located in the middle of the ancient Fesulae.

It is overlooked by the Cathedral, the Seminary, the Bishop’s Palace, the Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of Santa Maria Primerana.

It has a double trapezium shape and is completed by the presence of the monument of Oreste Calzolari on the Teano Meeting.

Piazza Mino da Fiesole is dedicated to the 15th-century Italian sculptor and is currently the city’s most important meeting point and landmark.

Festivals, exhibitions and markets are organised here throughout the year. It boasts numerous restaurants, bars, hotels and shops.

Restaurants and trattorias in Fiesole

Our excursion cannot be said to be complete without a food and wine stop through which to discover the authentic local cuisine, made of simple ingredients and dishes rich in flavour.

The trattorias of Fiesole are the perfect place to enjoy ribollita, trippa, pappa al pomodoro, Florentine steak, sausages with beans all’uccelletto, pappardelle al sauce and game such as hare, wild boar, pheasant, guinea fowl.

Where to eat typical local dishes?

Here is a list of trattorias and restaurants in Fiesole: