February the 11th, 2025 | Here is a one-day itinerary in Fiesole to discover a dynamic reality where at every turn there is always something to discover, even with a simple walk in the centre where it is easy to “stumble upon” Etruscan, Roman and Longobard ruins scattered everywhere…
Kick off your day with a Cappuccino!
Arriving in the town in the morning, Piazza Mino da Fiesole often welcomes visitors with a market that will let you experience Fiesole and if you are looking for a coffee, Café Deja Vu will seat you on their tables in the square, or you can go to Alcedo, a pastry shop beloved by locals!
Also not to be missed is the Mercato della Terra (the “Earth Market”) organised by the Distretto Biologico di Fiesole and Slow Food in the Piazza del Mercato (“Mercato Square”) every last Sunday of the month.
Here are the free parking spaces in Fiesole: QUI, QUI e QUI
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Views and culture
If it is true that hard work pays off, then the breathtaking and evocative panorama over the entire Florentine valley from the Convent of St Francis will duly repay the steep climb to reach it! Once you have caught your breath, and if you are lucky enough to find it open, the Convent is a truly fascinating structure to visit and fascinating panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
As you hike down into the square, you cannot fail to notice the Cathedral of San Romolo, an imposing Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century, characterised by its frescoed walls and fascinating architecture: its bell tower is the symbol that distinguishes Fiesole throughout the world!
An essential stop is the Archaeological Area and its Roman Theatre, a perfectly preserved monument dating back to the 1st century B.C., where you can watch the theatre, dance and cinema performances of the Estate Fiesolana while sitting on the steps of a Roman theatre, just like the inhabitants of the time.
Find HERE more details about the Estate Fiesolana (“Summer Fiesolana”).
In the same area there is also the Archaeological Museum, which, despite its small size, stands out on the Italian scene. A visit to the Museum tells the millenary history of Fiesole through the discovery of Etruscan, Roman and mediaeval finds, and it is suitable for everyone. Even the youngest can become real Archeoguides for their families thanks to the programmes designed especially for children, which can be found at the Information Point at the entrance to the Archaeological Area.
Info, times and tickets on the Museums of Fiesole website.
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From archaeology to murales, with free access
Leaving the Archaeological Area, turn left into the uphill road and pause in the garden of the Archive, where artist ZED1 has created a mural with his typical second-skin technique representing Fiesole and its ‘tearing through time’ activities.
Turning right along the Garden of the Archives and crossing the main road, you can visit a more recently discovered archaeological zone of Longobard origin free of charge.
Crossing the Longobard archaeological zone completely, you can continue to climb, venturing up the hill of Sant’Apollinare, along Via di Monte Ceceri (“Street Monte Ceceri”), in search of picturesque roads and breathtaking views – like the climbs!
If in the meantime lunchtime has arrived, before continuing on to Sant’Apollinare, stop at one of the restaurants and bars in the square where you will find everything from sandwiches, pizza or meat to a gourmet lunch at Bistrot 5 (pictured), perhaps with a good glass of our wines!
It is possible to continue the walk in the Monte Ceceri forest, discovering the pietra serena quarries where the monolithic columns of the National Library of Florence were extracted, and reaching Piazzale Leonardo, from where Leonardo da Vinci gave Zoroastro the first flight of man… unfortunately unsuccessful!
When strolling around Fiesole, take note of the decorations on the gas doors, all painted with an image inspired by what surrounds the door itself: a real treasure hunt through the town!
For those who do not want to miss a single corner of Fiesole, a visit to the Primo Conti Foundation and the Bandini Museum is worthwhile, real gems that few people know about! If you are lucky, you can take advantage of one of the extraordinary openings of the Fonte Sotterra, the town’s ancient ‘refrigerator’…
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Aperitivo time
Since this one-day itinerary in Fiesole is rather dense, it is time now to stop for a moment.
Sit down for an aperitif in one of the many bars in the Piazza, where there is never a lack of cool breeze in summer.
Alternatively, at the Casa del Popolo of Fiesole, located not far from the main square in the picturesque suburb of Borgunto, you can order excellent and really cheap Spritz, which can be enjoyed on their panoramic terrace in front of the sunset.
All that remains is to wait for the night to do not miss Fiesole by night by dining in one of the many excellent restaurants that we will be able to recommend in Reception!
Fiesole has much more to unveil to those who have the opportunity to dedicate more than a one-day itinerary to Fiesole. A visit to one of Fiesole’s many villas and their gardens, such as Villa Medici or the Michelucci Foundation (read also this article), and/or a true immersion in nature for a trek on one of the many trail that wind through the Fiesole hills are other activities to enjoy all in one breath!
