← Firenze Marathon·Day trip

Fiesole: The Hill Town Above Florence

A small hill town north-east of Florence with a Roman theatre, an Etruscan past and a view back over the city, reached by bus so the climb is not on foot.

DurationDay trip
TransitCity bus, about 25 min from Florence
DepartsFlorence

After the Firenze Marathon: Fiesole

The Route: Florence → Fiesole → Florence Logistics: City bus from central Florence to Fiesole, about 25 minutes each way. The town's main square is at the top of the ride. Marathon Month: November Duration: Day trip

Florence (Piazza San Marco) ──(25 mins city bus)──> Fiesole (Piazza Mino)

Fiesole sits about 300 m above the Arno valley, on a ridge that was Etruscan before Florence existed and Roman after it. It is where Florentines go for cooler air in summer and a better view all year. After the Firenze Marathon, the sensible plan is to let the bus do the climbing and walk only on the level.

November in Fiesole: cold and often foggy, with daytime temperatures a few degrees below the city, around 6 to 11 °C. On a clear day the view back over Florence is wide. On a wet one, the town can be misty and quiet. Bring a warm layer.

A city bus runs from central Florence, with stops near Piazza San Marco and Santissima Annunziata, up to the main square of Fiesole. Buy the ticket at a tobacconist or on board where allowed, and check the operator's current timetable and fare. The ride is about 25 minutes.

The day

The main square, Piazza Mino da Fiesole, is a wide open space with the cathedral, a town hall and cafes. It is flat. Check the cathedral's hours.

The archaeological area is the main sight. It has a Roman theatre still used for summer events, the remains of baths and a small Etruscan and Roman museum. The site is on a slope with steps and uneven ground, so it needs care on tired legs. Check opening days and ticket prices, as winter hours can be shorter.

A road climbs from the square to the church and Franciscan monastery of San Francesco, on the hilltop. It is steep and short. If your legs allow, walk it slowly, and if not, sit on the terrace and look at the view. From the terrace below the church, the dome of Florence's cathedral is visible across the valley on a clear day.

Lunch in Fiesole is straightforward. Several trattorie serve Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, a thick tomato and bread soup, and grilled meats. Check that yours is open on a Monday.

Getting back

The bus back to Florence runs from the main square. Check the last departure. For an easier return, some visitors walk a short way downhill and take the bus from a lower stop.