There are many things to see in Fiesole, a town located a few kilometers from Florence.
With its splendid views of the Tuscan countryside, it’s no wonder that Fiesole has become a highly sought-after destination for tourists looking to discover new itineraries near Florence.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Fiesole offers many opportunities for hiking and biking through the picturesque Tuscan hills.
The Roman theater of Fiesole was built in the 1st century BC for theatrical performances, with a capacity of 3,000 spectators.
The arena is surrounded by semicircular stands and a scenery overlooking the surrounding valley, offering a splendid panoramic view.
Today, the Roman theater of Fiesole, in addition to being an important tourist attraction, is still used for cultural events and theatrical performances scheduled during the summer.
The Cathedral of Fiesole
The Cathedral of Fiesole, or Cathedral of San Romolo, is a church located in the center of Fiesole. Dating back to the year 1028, the cathedral features a Romanesque style with a bell tower crowned by Guelph merlons.
The facade of the Cathedral is adorned with a Gothic rose window and various bas-reliefs, while the interior consists of a central nave and two side aisles.
Inside the church, there are paintings, frescoes, and sculptures by great artists such as Mino da Fiesole, Andrea della Robbia, and Cosimo Rosselli.
The Cathedral of Fiesole is an important place of worship that attracts many visitors every year for its beauty and historical and artistic significance.
The Archaeological Museum of Fiesole preserves archaeological finds, bearing witness to human settlements since the Bronze Age.
The museum houses a rich collection of findings covering the entire Etruscan period and the long Roman domination.
Among the exhibited artifacts are statues, vases, coins, jewelry, and various other artifacts that help to better understand the history of ancient Tuscany.
The Medici Villa in Fiesole is one of the historical residences of the Medici family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Italian history. Located on the hills, the villa offers a panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding hills.
The villa was built in the 15th century and was used as a summer residence by the Medici until the 16th century. During this period, the villa was decorated with works of art and luxury furnishings, making it one of the most sumptuous residences of the time.
Today, the Medici Villa in Fiesole is open to the public as a museum and a place of historical interest.
Visitors can explore the splendid Italian-style gardens, the decorated rooms, and admire the works of art that once adorned the villa.
The Bandini Museum is an important attraction located in Fiesole and houses a collection of works of art collected by the Bandini family over the centuries.
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, and art objects from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with works by artists such as Filippo Lippi, Giovanni Bellini, Bartolomeo Vivarini, and others.
The Bandini Museum is located inside an ancient palace in the historical center of Fiesole and is a must-visit for art lovers visiting the area.
The Convent of San Francesco is an ancient religious complex located on the hill of Fiesole.
Founded in the 13th century, the convent was an important center of Franciscan spirituality and theological studies over the centuries.
The main building of the convent is the church of San Francesco, with its Romanesque-Gothic facade and Renaissance frescoes inside.
The convent cloister is another important architectural element, with its double-arched porticoes and the remains of ancient frescoes.
Today, the convent of San Francesco is run by Franciscan friars and hosts a religious community, as well as being a place of spirituality open to visitors. The complex also hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
The Church of San Domenico is a religious building located in the historical center of Fiesole, dating back to the 14th century.
On the outside, it has a stone facade and a tower bell, while inside it has a large nave. The church attracts many tourists as it contains many works of art by artists such as Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi.
In the convent hall, there are two works by Fra Angelico: one is a painted crucifix, made around 1430; the other is a fresco of the Madonna with the Child, probably from the 1430s. In addition, among other works of art, there is a panel with Savonarola and the two companions pointing Florence to Christ and the Virgin.
Among the many villas in Fiesole, Villa I Tatti is one of the most important historical residences.
Villa I Tatti is a Renaissance villa famous because it was owned by Bernard Berenson, an art critic, from 1906. He and his wife Mary lived there for more than sixty years.
Villa I Tatti has works of art by various famous artists, including Giotto, Gentile da Fabriano, Sassetta, and Luca Signorelli.
Among Gentile da Fabriano’s works are San Giacomo Maggiore and San Pietro and Madonna with Child. Sassetta is represented by the work Ecstasy of San Francesco. While the Portrait of Vitellozzo Vitelli is an important artwork by Luca Signorelli.
In 1936, Berenson donated the villa with its 14th-16th century art collections, the library, and photo collection to Harvard University. It is now a research center on the Italian Renaissance.
The San Francesco promenade in Fiesole is a beautiful path that goes from the historical center to the church of San Francesco at the top of the hill.
Along the way, you can admire splendid views of the Tuscan countryside.
The promenade is quite steep but offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Once you reach the church of San Francesco, you can visit the interior of the church and enjoy a breathtaking view over Florence and the surrounding hills.
The distance between Fiesole and Florence is about 8 km and can be covered by car, bus, or a short walk along a beautiful panoramic road.
For those who choose to reach Fiesole by car, you can take the strada statale (SS, state road) 7bis or follow the directions for the SS302. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and you can park your car in the central area of Fiesole or in the parking lots provided for visitors.
Hotel Villa Fiesole is a must for those looking for luxury services for an unforgettable stay.
Furthermore, if you are planning a visit in 2024, a surprise awaits you. On March 28, Hotel Villa Fiesole will reopen its doors with a brand-new establishment: the Serrae Villa Fiesole restaurant, led by chef Antonello Sardi.
With its splendid view of the hills and Florence, the Serrae Villa Fiesole Restaurant promises an unprecedented culinary experience.
Whether you are thinking of a romantic evening or a relaxing meal with your family, Serrae Villa Fiesole is the perfect choice.
