Fiesole: what to see and where to eat
Fiesole today is considered “one of the most beautiful suburbs of Florence”. In fact it is part of the metropolitan area of the capital, from which it is only 6 kilometers away, but it is an independent municipality with a respectable history. As an inhabited center, Fiesole has existed since the 4th century BC and boasts Etruscan and Roman origins.
Fiesole, a jewel on the hills of Florence
In the Middle Ages it became an integral part of Florence and its power, used since then as a place of relaxation and vacation, especially for the noble lords of the time.
Tourism in Fiesole has always been a profitable industry and already in the 18th century it was the favorite destination of the nobles and sovereigns of half of Europe.
Not a lot has changed in the modern era, because even today those who come to Florence must absolutely visit this beautiful town located on the hills guarding the Arno Valley.
What to see in Fiesole
Among dozens of beautiful churches and as many stately villas, Fiesole would need at least a week’s stay to be fully visited and known.
If you don’t have time, you will have to choose an itinerary among many wonders.
Take into consideration:
• among the churches: the Romanesque cathedral of San Romolo, the fourteenth-century Convent of San Francesco, the fifteenth-century Convent of San Domenico, the delightful Santa Maria Primerana, the original Badia Fiesolana.
• among the villas: there are many, many private, so they can be admired mostly from the outside. We recommend Villa al Bosco Fonte Lucente with its wonderful park, Villa La Torraccia, Villa Sparta, Villa San Michele in Doccia, the imposing Villa Poggio Gherardo and of course the ancient Villa Medici. Also worth considering are Villa Schifanoia and Villa di Maiano.
• among the particular places: the medieval walls of Fiesole, the castles of Vincigliata (Castel Poggio and Castel Vincigliata), the archaeological area and the Etruscan tombs.
Do not miss a walk in the airy and ancient Piazza Mino da Fiesole and a visit to the Fonte Sotterra, a deep artificial cave that descends into the belly of the earth to the aquifers that collect rainwater.
What to eat in Fiesole and where
Fiesole is the ideal place to taste typically Florentine goodness with a truly breathtaking panoramic view of Florence.
The Florentine steak, the ribollita, the castagnaccio can also be found here, as well as the excellent Tuscan wines. Also try the chickpeas with cacciucco and the croutons with livers.
Where to taste all these goodness? For example at the Casa del Prosciutto where pure and simple Tuscan cuisine is prepared. Or at the Cave di Maiano restaurant, panoramic and with rustic cuisine.
Al Trebbiolo is another fine example of a panoramic restaurant just outside the center. But you can also try Terrazza 45, Reggia degli Etruschi or a more popular experience tasting the dishes of the Casa del Popolo, with a guaranteed panorama and joy!
How to get to Fiesole
Fiesole is well connected to both the Florence airport and the Florence Santa Maria Novella station. If you arrive by car, the route is:
• from the south: A1 motorway, Firenze Sud exit following the signs for Stadio / Fiesole;
• from the north: Regional Road 302 and then Regional Road 67 from Via Bolognese;
• from Siena: Firenze-Siena highway or SS 2 Cassia following the signs for Stadio / Fiesole;
• from Arezzo: SS 67 Aretina to Florence then continue following the signs for Fiesole.
Discovering Fiesole with Villa Campestri
If you want to experience the charm of Fiesole, as well as taste the tasty local cuisine, we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, to discover the most beautiful Tuscany.
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