Fiesole: Between Etruscans and Franciscans

Highlights

3 hours

Suitable for all

Moderate (some uphill walking)

Archaeology, art, spirituality, ancient history, panoramic views

Get ready for a journey through time, just minutes from Florence, where Roman ruins, medieval churches, and breathtaking views await! This tour takes you to discover Fiesole, a charming hilltop town that was once a powerful rival of Florence and a place of extraordinary historical depth.

We’ll begin with the archaeological area of ancient Faesulae, originally Etruscan and later Roman. It is one of the most fascinating sites in Tuscany: you’ll walk through a well-preserved Roman theater, explore the remains of thermal baths, and visit the ruins of an Etruscan-Roman temple.

This is the ideal experience for those who love history, archaeology, and the feeling of stepping back in time.

From the classical world, we’ll move into the Middle Ages with a visit to the Cathedral of San Romolo, built in the 11th century. Inside, we’ll find a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, with a Romanesque crypt, medieval frescoes, and a tall bell tower that has stood for centuries.

Then we’ll head uphill to reach the Church and Convent of San Francesco, a quiet, spiritual place with one of the best panoramic views over Florence. Inside the church you’ll find original and exceptional works of art, including 14th-century paintings, finely carved wooden pieces, and remarkable altarpieces. The adjacent museum also houses rare objects collected by Franciscan missionaries during their journeys across Asia and Latin America.

Why choose this tour?

It’s the perfect way to discover a quieter, more authentic side of Florence—ideal if you want to escape the crowds and explore a lesser-known jewel of Tuscany.

By the end of the experience, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of Tuscany’s ancient past and its spiritual heritage, in a setting rich with beauty and silence.