Things to see and do Fiesole

Florence's monuments are well known, but one of its particularities is often forgotten: its peasant culture and its countryside at the city's gates. Just a few kilometres away from Piazza della Signoria, you can already be on the hills with centuries-old olive trees. There stands the Fattoria di Maiano, five kilometres from the city centre. Rich in history, its estate, built at the beginning of the 15th century, extends over many hectares and dominates the city. The estate includes the former quarries from which the "Serena" stone was extracted for Florentine Renaissance buildings; today they are partially reforested. One of them has been transformed into a small lake, the "laghetto delle colonne" with its "Tea House": a surreal image, a fable postcard.

Today, the Fattoria di Maiano offers the opportunity to discover its terroir: the paths through the woods with its botanical zone, the lake, the olive trees and the farm animals. A visit to the press is also planned. The tour can be done on foot, by bicycle or also at night in a 4x4. A special experience, the discovery of a countryside and its tradition just a stone's throw from a Renaissance civilisation. As a bonus, this place produces one of the best olive oils in Tuscany, exclusively organic, awarded with various prizes (you can buy it at the fattoria's point of sale). To complete this setting, the farm restaurant offers the opportunity to discover the Florentine culinary tradition.

Built around 1455 by the Florentine architect Michelozzo, the Medici villa of Fiesole stands on a hillside and enjoys a magnificent view of Florence. It is the very first Renaissance villa inspired by the ancient Roman villas. Built for Jean de Médicis, the youngest son of Cosme l'Ancien, it remained the property of the family until 1671. Unfortunately, you can only visit the terraced gardens (by appointment), the villa being a private property, but this place is ideal for a short meditation with a view of the Tuscan capital.