Pensione Bencista

Amusing signs.

by leics

There were several of these around.....maybe the people of Fiesole are getting fed-up with smelly shoes! Didn't see any in Florence, so suspect it may be a local initiative. Anyway, if you've got your dog with you make sure you're not a pig!

Perfect Fiesole

by swissfondue

This gorgeous town in the hills outside Florence is the perfect place to spend a few hours or a full day. If you want to explore you can pick up a map from the Tourist Office close to the main square and start walking. The walking routes will take you past remains of the ancient city walls. Have some water handy as the routes are hilly and quite steep in places.

Try to visit on a clear day to best enjoy stunning views of Florence from various viewpoints. Aside from the vistas, Fiesole itself has a lot to offer the less energetic. Find a spot to sit in the main square and watch the activity. There are cafes and shops to browse and photo opportunities in every direction.

One of the most visited sites is the Zona Archeologica with its Roman Amphitheater which is still used for concerts and outdoor events.

If you are able, make the effort to climb the steep street to the San Francesco Monastery. This 13th century monastery is beautiful in its simplicity.

No trip to Tuscany would be complete without seeing the gorgeous town of Fiesole. Accommodation is available in villas which dot the hillside. For day tripppers the ATAF number 7 bus leaves half hourly from the Bus terminal outside Santa Maria Novella.

Relaxing Afternoon Retreat From the Heat

by LauraWest

I just spent an afternoon exploring & relaxing in this small town on the hill above Florence. It was not so hot up here, as in crowded Florence. And a scenic local bus ride for only one Euro, each way. I think it was bus #7 & I caught it in front of the train station, but it winds through central Florence, stopping other places, too.
The Roman Amphitheater can be viewed from outside the walls & fences, so you can avoid paying the enry fee if you wish (that's what I did). I also walked next to the long Etruscan stone wall. One of my tips is a photo of the wall.

San Romolo

by egonwegh

Dark statue beside the main altar at San Romolo.

The church of San Romolo at Fiesole was built between the 11th and 14th century. Here you can see the nave of the church with the elevated choir and a dome.

A wall painting of St. Sebastian, pierced by arrows.

Rehearsal for a concert that was to take place here a couple of days later.

A decorated box in the church's crypt - presumably relics of San Romolo after whom the church was named.

Portrait bust in marble of a bishop.

Here you can see me standing beside the baptismal font.