Fiesole is a commune of Florence located about five miles northeast of the city. Although it is a gorgeous hill town, most people ascend the high climes in order to get a panoramic view of Florence below. They often do not realize that there are a wide variety of Fiesole attractions, and that many people embark upon Fiesole Italy vacations. Once you begin to scratch below the surface, you will discover that there are not only quite a few things to do in Fiesole, but also that this is an enchanting and memorable town in its own right. For people traveling to Florence during the peak months of April through October, a day trip to Fiesole can provide a much-needed getaway from the heavy tourist traffic.

The history of Fiesole dates all the way back to the ninth century BC. The town was a member of the Etruscan confederacy, and the ancient walls and various other ruins remain to this day. Fiesole was first mentioned in text in the year 283 BC after it was sacked by the Romans. They encouraged and aided the Florentines at the time in constructing a settlement on the River Arno. There was much subsequent fighting between the two camps, Florence and Fiesole, until Florence finally subjugated Fiesole in the twelfth century.

If you are planning Fiesole Italy vacations, you should be aware of some of the most popular attractions in the town. No trip would be complete without visiting the historically significant archaeological ruins in Fiesole, including the Roman baths, theaters, and temples, as well as an impressive, early-Etruscan temple dating back to the fourth century BC. The Piazza Mino da Fiesole is the town’s main piazza. Here you will find a collection of attractions including the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop’s Palace), which was constructed in the eleventh century, and the Cathedral San Romolo. The Museo Bandini contains a nice collection of art created in Fiesole between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries.

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One of the best things to do in Fiesole is leisurely stroll the ancient roads and various parks and piazzas to experience a page right out of antiquity. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and today many wealthy residents of Florence also have homes in the hills of Fiesole. It is an enchanting little town that you should certainly consider visiting if you are already making the trip to Florence. Other main attractions in Fiesole include the Villa Medici, the Monastery of San Francesco, the Church of the Primerana in the cathedral square, and the Badia (or ancient cathedral of Saint Romulus).

There are a variety of things to do in Fiesole, from visiting the archaeological ruins, to enjoying some of the most amazing views of Florence you will ever see. To get to Fiesole from Florence by bus, take the #7. If you are traveling by train, you will embark from the railway station and travel past Il Duomo and the Piazza San Marco before arriving at the Piazza Mino da Fiesole.

As you plan your Fiesole Italy vacations, also consider stopping by the Parco della Rimembranza, located on the Via di San Francesco. There are public spaces to eat and relax, and here you will enjoy the most excellent panoramic views of Florence below.