Tranquil Fiesole

On a recommendation from my father I decided to visit Fiesole, a quaint, tranquil village nestled at the top of a winding road leading up from Firenze. Fiesole was quite a contrast to Firenze. Everything in Fiesole was proportionately charming and petite. Unlike the bustling, vibrant, tourism feel of Firenze, Fiesole gave off an authentic small town vibe.
Once, Fiesole was of greater significance than Firenze so it is ironic that the main purpose for visiting Fiesole today is to gaze down on the remarkable view of Firenze. And what a view it is; Spectacular in a sense that my photos cannot convey. Once named, Faesulae, Fiesole was an important Etruscan town, commanding the Arno valley from its defensive heights. It made use of its heights for defensive purposes. Romans encouraged a new settlement down by the Arno in order to draw attention away from Fiesole and over time Firenze gradually gained precedence. Fiesole possesses many beautiful villas that were built as a getaway for rich Florentines eager to eschew the crowded heat of Firenze.

Fiesole boasts an archaeological museum (Museo archeologico) which demonstrates the once more prominent existence of Fiesole compared to that of Firenze. I sadly did not have enough time to visit, however visitors with more time on their hands can explore the Roman ruins that are part of the general archaeological area, that date back to the historical time when Fiesole was a strategic city. The ruins include a Roman theatre, temple and baths, as well as an earlier Etruscan temple dating to the 4th century BC. I passed up this educational opportunity for the more tempting gelato across the street yonder.

.Around the town square, Piazza Mino da Fiesole, sit some important buildings including Chiesa di Santa Maria Primerana, the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace), originally built in the 11th century, Palazzo Pretorio (the town council), and the Cattedrale San Romolo (the town’s cathedral), built and expanded between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Due to the rain, we took shelter in the library which was reflective of the petiteness that is Fiesole. The main streets were lined with little boutiques, cafés and gelaterias which were not very crowded but mainly filled with the inhabitants of this little village who all harbored friendly dispositions. In order to get there I took the number 7 bus. The route up the winding road to Fiesole was an experience in itself. On the way back down descended early and took pictures from a beautiful lookout point where I indulged myself with cherries freshly bought from the market-The perfect end to an Italian expenditure most worthwhile.