Fiesole: the Etruscan-Roman village par excellence

All Around Florence! Fiesole is a hilltop village of Etruscan origin (8th-7th century BC), one of the oldest and most significant settlements located just a stone's throw from Florence. A gem of extraordinary natural beauty, overlooking the Florentine valley.  Despite its small size, it holds treasures of inestimable value—a concentrated blend of history, culture, and nature that is absolutely worth a visit.

What to See in Fiesole: An Etruscan Heart

First, let’s talk about its origins. The city of Fiesole traces its roots back to the Etruscan period and preserves important evidence of both Etruscan and Roman civilizations. You can sense the importance the city held during that era by admiring its extensive archaeological heritage.

You can see the Etruscan walls, still easily recognizable in many parts of the city (particularly along via delle Mura Etrusche), and the Archaeological Area. This central hub contains the most important Roman buildings: the famous Roman Theatre of Fiesole, the temple, and the thermal baths. You can discover these and other minor structures through a historic walk of Fiesole.

Good to know! The archaeological area of Fiesole is also the venue for a major event: Estate Fiesolana. A festival of concerts and theatre performances taking place from mid-June to early August: evenings of unforgettable charm.

The Museums of Fiesole

Inside the Archeological Area you can visit the Civic Archaeological Museum to observe numerous artifacts gathered during excavations in the area. 

In the city centre is the Bandini Museum, which houses paintings from the medieval and Renaissance periods and terracotta works by the Della Robbia family, whilst just outside the city, at Villa Le Coste, is the Primo Conti Foundation, featuring paintings by the great 20th-century Florentine painter. 
Entry to all three museums is included with the Firenze Card.

Places of Worship

The Convent of San Francesco is situated at the highest point of the town. You can reach it via a short but steep scenic climb starting from Piazza Mino da Fiesole, passing by the “Belvedere” terrace where you can enjoy a wonderful view of Florence. Once you arrive, stop to admire the church’s Gothic façade and the adjacent building housing the convent, with its imposing external loggia. 

On the way up to Fiesole, there are two places of worship of artistic merit: the Convent of San Domenico, built in the 15th century by the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella, featuring works by Beato Angelico.
Finally, the splendid Badia Fiesolana, which is well worth a visit for the fascinating architectural design of its Romanesque façade and for the many works of art housed within. Adjacent to the complex is the European University Institute, a postgraduate academy for scholars.

The villas

Thanks to the beauty of the Fiesole hills, the area has long been a favourite with noble families and prominent figures such as writers and artists, who built villas here surrounded by stunning gardens. Every year, the Municipality of Fiesole organises a programme of tours of Fiesole’s gardens and villas – which are usually closed to the public – so that visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of these places. 

Trekking and Trails in Fiesole

Fiesole is the perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore:

• Via degli Dei (Path of the Gods): The ancient Via Flaminia Minor, an Etruscan road that crossed the Apennine Mountains at least 200 years before Christ.
• The Renaissance Ring (Anello del Rinascimento): * Vaglia – Alberaccio – Fiesole: Skirting the Apennines with views over Florence (23 km / 6h 40m).
  • Fiesole / Santa Brigida – Pontassieve: A route immersed in the Tuscan countryside among farmhouses, vineyards, and mills (13 km / 4h).
• We also recommend the Stilicone Trail, which starts at the information office and runs along the side of the hill on the Caldine side
• Sentiero delle Cave (The Quarries Path): A local trail to discover the stone used by masters like Donatello, Brunelleschi, Vasari, Michelangelo, and Cellini. It explores the quarries on the slopes of Montececeri, offering a glimpse into the once-prevalent local craft of the stonemason.

How to Reach Fiesole

Fiesole is located just minutes from Florence and is easily accessible by bus via Line 7. Next to the archaeological site, the tourist information office is open to provide details on events and the opening times of museums and villas.

Download the "All Around Florence" Brochure

To learn more about the Florentine surroundings, download the official tourism brochure from the Municipality and Metropolitan City of Florence: [Click here for the brochure].