Giovanni Boccaccio‘s life and work are deeply linked to the places he visited, especially Florence and Fiesole.
Boccaccio’s connection with Florence and Fiesole is not only geographical, but also cultural and social; the two cities are the setting for many of his stories, thoughts and inspirations.
Both cities were at the center of a lively intellectual exchange that profoundly influenced Renaissance thought.
In this article, we will explore the places that influenced Boccaccio’s life and work, walking through the streets of Florence, with its palaces and squares, and the breathtaking views of Fiesole, which offer a privileged glimpse of Tuscan beauty.
Today, visiting Florence and Fiesole means not only discovering history and art, but also immersing oneself in the world of Boccaccio, discovering the roots of a thought and a creativity that continue to influence contemporary culture.
Boccaccio’s places in Florence
Florence, the capital of Renaissance culture, is Boccaccio’s birthplace, although some scholars identify Certaldo as his true hometown.
Born around the year 1313, he lived most of his life in Florence, which was a bustling commercial and cultural center.
Giovanni Boccaccio spent his childhood near the ancient San Pier Maggiore and in the area of San Felice in Piazza.
The streets of Florence, with their bustling squares, majestic churches, and stately palaces, provided Boccaccio with a stimulating environment for his creativity.
His intellectual formation took place in a Florence in ferment, where literary, philosophical, and artistic influences intertwined.
Florence is the setting for many of the stories in the Decameron.
The protagonists, fleeing the plague, take refuge in a villa on the outskirts of the city and tell each other stories of love, deception, and adventure.
Although many of the specific places are not directly mentioned in the stories, the atmosphere of Florence and its surroundings is palpable throughout the Decameron.
Among these is certainly the church of Santa Maria Novella, where the story of the Decameron begins.
As the plague sweeps through Florence, the protagonists find themselves in the “[…] church of Santa Maria Novella, one Tuesday morning, there being hardly any other person there, […]”.
Other places mentioned in Boccaccio’s works are Piazza della Signoria, the Church of Santa Croce, the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Vecchio.
The city itself, with its rich history and culture, serves as a backdrop for the narratives and social dynamics that Boccaccio explores.
Boccaccio’s places in Fiesole
Situated on a hill, Fiesole was a place of refuge and contemplation for Boccaccio.
Its Etruscan and Roman ruins, along with the breathtaking view of the Arno valley, created an ideal environment for reflection and writing.
Fiesole was also a center of culture and learning, home to monasteries and libraries.
Boccaccio spent time there, where he devoted himself to study and writing.
The tranquility of Fiesole allowed him to deepen his literary knowledge and develop his narrative style.
Boccaccio’s attachment to Fiesole is also evident in his work.
The protagonists of the “Decameron” decide to escape for fourteen days to the hills of Fiesole.
Here, among the unspoiled hills, Boccaccio gives us a vivid description of a paradisiacal garden on the outskirts of Florence, the setting where the young protagonists gather to tell their stories.
Despite the passage of centuries, there are not many 14th-century villas left in the area, and it is almost certain that it is Villa Palmieri, which even then had large farms, meadows and water sources, as masterfully described by Boccaccio.
Among the possible candidates are the secondary villa in the park of Villa Palmieri, today known as Villa Benelli, after the name of the family that lived there, or Villa Schifanoia, once part of the larger Villa Palmieri.
All these residences, with their gardens, lawns and fountains, contributed to the idyllic image of the place described in Boccaccio’s masterpiece, reflecting the beauty and harmony of this Florentine landscape.
Where to stay in Florence and Fiesole
For those who are looking for a place to stay in the historical center of Florence, FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is the ideal solution.
Located in Via de’ Calzaiuoli, two minutes from Florence Cathedral and three minutes from Piazza della Signoria, FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is the place for those who want to experience a stay surrounded by the treasures of Florence.
For those looking for an alternative, just 8 minutes from Florence, FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole is the solution for those who want to immerse themselves in the tranquility and natural beauty of the Fiesole hills.
The elegant property, which preserves intact the charm of a historic home, is located in a privileged position, just minutes away from the main itineraries and tourist attractions of the area.
In addition to the convenience of its location, the hotel offers a wide range of services to make your stay unforgettable, such as the restaurant Serrae Villa Fiesole, run by Chef Antonello Sardi, awarded the prestigious Michelin Star 2025.