Fiesole
Fiesole, 300 m. in altitude in the main Piazza Mino, is not far from the centre of Florence only 5 Km. The landscape is dotted with olive trees, cypresses, from spots of forest and from houses and villas.
Fiesole, 300 m. in altitude in the main Piazza Mino, is not far from the centre of Florence only 5 Km. The landscape is dotted with olive trees, cypresses, from spots of forest and from houses and villas insert in this framework with wisdom secular.
DISCOVER FIESOLE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA
In three hectares of the beautiful hilly landscape you can admire the Etruscan, Roman and the Longobard ruins: The Roman Theatre, built at the end of the first century B.C., exceptionally well preserved in particular in tiers and service areas, the roman baths, built contemporary with the theatre are the pools which remain in evidence, the area which was reserved to the cold and warm baths and the saunas remain visible. The Etruscan temple that was constructed in the IVth century B.C., and was dedicated to Minerva, a goddess therapeutic virtue, from where they come numerous former bronze ex-votos conserved in the Museum. Destroyed at the moment of the roman conquest, it was reconstructed (first century B.C.), in the same place, with the same plan but in greater dimensions. In age of the Longobard all the zone was occupied from an immense cemetery of which is still visible some remaining tombs.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The main exhibits come from the city and from the surrounding territory the collection covers an immense arc of time: from the protectoral to the Etruscan civilization, roman, Long bard and to the Middle Ages. Which consist of a rich section composed antiquarianism from bronzes, marbles, sculptures. Of particular value the Constantine Collection that collects Greek ceramics, of the Magna Greece and Etruria.
THE BANDINI MUSEUM
Founded in 1913, which contains the collection of the Canon Angelo Maria Bandini a philologist, antiquarian and librarian of the Laurenziana of Florence, lived between 1726 and 1803. The Museum could be described as small treasure chest of art, conserving Florentine paintings from the two hundred and the three hundred, the so-called “primiti” - Taddeo and Agnolo Gaddi, Nardo di Cione, Lorenzo Monaco - and works of the masters of the four hundred: from Neri of Bicci to Iacopo of Sellaio (splendid its Triumphs) and a delicate Madonna with the Child produced in workshop of the Botticelli. their can also be seen An collection of polychrome terracotta of Della Robbia family, the most famous and important producers in this medium of the Florentine Renaissance.
THE CHAPEL OF SAINT JANES
Originally the oratory of the Bishop’s Palace as such dates back to the frist half of the 11TH century. Renovated and modified various times over the centuries, today it has been completely restored and opened to the public. Besides the great wallfresco by Bicci di Lorenzo (ca. 1440) of “The Coronation of the Virgin with Angels and Saints”, the crape contains a rich collection of precious liturgical objects belonging to the Diocese of Fiesole, one of the largest and oldest dioceses in Italy.
BADIA FIESOLANA
Constructed at the beginning of year 1000 and consecrated by Jacopo il Bavaro. From 1440 until 1778 it passes to the Canonical lateranensi said Roccettini: the facade in white and green marble of Prato is connected to the Florentine baptistery of S. Miniato al Monte.
BASILICA DI S. ALESSANDRO
An early Christian basilica, the tradition wants the church founded on the rests of a roman temple dedicated to Bacchus. The current appearance is the result of a renewal of XI century and other restorations in the XVIII, XIX and XX centuries that have Etruscan trace evidenced under the apse. Today the church is introduced as a great hall with the double central nave in comparison to the lateral ones and from this partition of splendid columns in oriental cipollino marble and in white marble Perhaps of re-use from a roman building.
CATTEDRALE DI SAN ROMOLO
Erected in 1028,in the time of the Bishop Jacopo il Bavaro, the building was expanded in `the 200 as attest the entries with the dates 1201 and 1256, affixed on two tops of a column until enduring a complete restoration in 1800 that gave back to the church the primitive Romanesque shapes. The structure is a basilican plan with three naves and with cover of wood truss. Many and important are the works of art conserved like those of Mino da Fiesole and Bicci di Lorenzo.
www.cattedralefiesole.it
VILLE COLLINE DI FIESOLE
Montececeri Park - Maiano Quarries
The quarries of Fiesole, and of Maiano in particular, exploited until the early 20th century, are famous for their sandstone, the so-called "pietra fiesolana", amply utilised by sculptors since the 15th century. Mentioned by Benvenuto Cellini and Giorgio Vasari, "pietra fiesolana" was most suitable for architectural works and monuments, as well as for more or less refined elements used for civil, religious and urban furnishings. It was so widely used that the Medicean government had to exert a severe policy of control over its exploitation. In the 17th and 18th centuries, in fact, the Fiesole quarries were "banned" and reserved exclusively to Florentine monuments. Among the last works built with "pietra fiesolana" are the columns in the courtyard, the stairway and other architectural elements of the Florence National Central Library. Today the area has become a park, along whose itineraries can be seen the basic features of the ancient quarries: the cut, the open-sky, and the stone quarry "cava ficcata", artificial caves supported by feet.
Montececeri is a "Leonardian place". In a clearing on the top of the hill, a stele bears the prophecy of flight from "Monte del Cigno" (Montececeri) noted by Leonardo on the inner cover of the "Codex on the Flight of Birds" now in the Royal Library of Turin.
Leonardo also mentions "Monte Ceceri" in drawing the contour of the hills around Florence on Folio 20v of tMadrid Ms. II.
In the vicinity of the Il Regresso curve, along the provincial road that links Fiesole to Florence, a plate on the wall of Villa La Torrossa recalls that Leonardo da Vinci decided to attempt human flight here, from Montececeri. Legend has it that Zoroastro da Peretola (the illegitimate son of one of the Rucellai, a pupil of Leonardo in Milan and in Florence, during the period of the wall painting depicting the Battle of Anghiari, who later died in Rome and is recalled as an esoteric personage) attempted to fly from Montececeri, ending in a disastrous fall.
Maiano is also linked to the figure of Temple Leader, the Englishman who rebuilt the castle of Vincigliata in the 19th century.
CASTELLO DI VINCIGLIATA
The first written document about vincigliata is a contract that was registred in the archives of florence in the year 1.031, by the family vinsdomini, then the owners. later, it passed to the family alessandri i who had it for some three hundred years. i the decline started in the 17th century, the castle was sold, gambled away and gradually went to rack and ruin. In 1840 lord john temple leader was exploring the hills of fiesole, when he came upon the overgrown ruin of a medieval castle. he in stantly fell in love with it and decided to restore it to its former glory. Of the many stories he uncovered, sir john especially coveted the one about donna bianca. sir john decided that vincigliata was a perfect place to host his many noble friends. With help of a young architect fan celli, he started the daunting task of restoration. in pure spirit of renaissance patronage, he commissioned 80 masons, artisans, sculptors, glassmakers andantiquarians and with their help, vincigliata was reborn after 10 years of work. Today, castello di vincigliata continues in the spirit of sir john temple leader, as a place of inspiration ano a centre for all kinds of social ano cul tural gatherings, creating unforgettable evenings within its magic atmosphere.
www.castellodivincigliata.it
CASTEL DI POGGIO
The castle of thirteenth century origins, current aspect is do to restoration carried out in the 1900's.
www.casteldipoggio.it.
Fiesole: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Firenze (Florence)
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9 km from Fiesole
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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25 km from Fiesole
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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27 km from Fiesole
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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40 km from Fiesole
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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41 km from Fiesole
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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44 km from Fiesole
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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48 km from Fiesole
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- Siena (Siena)
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53 km from Fiesole
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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60 km from Fiesole
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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77 km from Fiesole
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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78 km from Fiesole
Charming villa Tuscany coast 14 beds pool
Eighteenth-century villa located in a picturesque area of the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Apuan Alps, the villa has a park with swimming pool and tennis court.
Availability request
The spacious suites of the villa embellished with charming details and enhanced by modern comforts will make your stay an unforgettable experience. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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79 km from Fiesole
Villa Camaiore Hills 10 beds pool
Villa located 3 km from the center of Camaiore in a quiet and sunny position 10 km from Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Ideal for those looking for a villa accommodation on the hills of Versilia a few miles from Tuscan sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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79 km from Fiesole
Villa Prato di Sopra Camaiore 10 beds pool
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking.
Availability request
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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79 km from Fiesole
Villa Pieve di Camaiore 8 beds pool
Luxury and charming villa with swimming pool for rent surrounded by the green hills of Camaiore not far from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa is ideal for those looking for an oasis of absolute peace and relaxation guaranteed by the elevated position and the external fence in style. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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79 km from Fiesole
Villa Camaiore Hills 7 beds pool
Wonderful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery, tranquility and privacy of the Pieve di Camaiore about 10 km from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa has all the comforts necessary to ensure an unforgettable stay in Tuscany and is the ideal solution for small groups up to 7 people who want to stay in the countryside but not far from the sea of Versilia.
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