Fiorentino

<< Tuscany

The Fiorentino is the area around the city of Florence, which includes various towns located near the Tuscan capital and some valleys to the south and east. Here are several towns among the hills hosting numerous historic sites and interesting attractions.

Fiesole

Fiesole is a town located on a hill north of Florence. Founded by the Etruscans in prehistoric times, Fiesole was for centuries one of the main centers in the region, until the 12th century, when it was conquered by Florence. During the Renaissance, Fiesole became the site of many suburban villas of the most powerful Florentine families, and to this day it is one of the wealthiest towns in Tuscany. Thanks to its archaeological ruins and historic palaces, Fiesole is also a popular tourist destination.

✪ Archaeological Area of Fiesole

Fiesole was for centuries an important Etruscan and Roman town, and various archaeological ruins can be found in the city. The main attraction is the Roman Theater, which was built in the late 1st century BCE and is one of the oldest theaters built by the Romans. Next to the theater are the ruins of the Roman Baths and a temple erected by the Etruscans. Other ruins include the remnants of the Etruscan walls and an Etruscan tomb. The area also features the Archaeological Museum of Fiesole (Museo Archeologico di Fiesole), which houses various finds from Fiesole, as well as other ancient artworks and objects.

Fiesole Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Romolo (Cattedrale di San Romolo)

The Fiesole Cathedral (Duomo di Fiesole) is the main religious site in Fiesole. Erected in the 11th century and later expanded, the church is an example of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral features various artworks, including decorated chapels and frescoes painted by Perugino during the Renaissance.

Bandini Museum

The Bandini Museum (Museo Bandini) is an art museum located behind the Fiesole Cathedral. The museum houses a rich collection of artworks, mostly of Gothic and Renaissance style, including numerous paintings and sculptures.

Sesto Fiorentino

Sesto Fiorentino is a city located between Florence and Prato. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, but the town truly developed over the past two centuries as an industrial center.

Etruscan Tombs of Sesto Fiorentino

The area of Sesto Fiorentino hosts various Etruscan tombs and other ancient ruins. Among these are the Tomba della Montagnola, dating from the 7th century BCE, and the nearby Tomba della Mula, erected around the same time. Both are well preserved examples of Etruscan beehive tombs. The Etruscan Necropolis of Palastreto is located near the town too, and dates between the 8th and 6th century BCE.

Scandicci

Scandicci is a suburb of Florence located just west of the Tuscan capital. The city was created from the merger of various small towns near Florence, and only emerged in the 20th century as a commercial center.

GAMPS Geopaleontological Museum

The GAMPS Geopaleontological Museum (Museo Geopaleontologico GAMPS) is a museum of geology and paleontology located at the outskirts of Scandicci. The museum houses a rich collection of minerals and fossils unearthed in Tuscany.

Impruneta

Impruneta is a town located among the hills south of Florence. The town emerged during the Late Middle Ages and it is known for its historic sanctuary.

Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Impruneta

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Impruneta (Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Impruneta) is a historic Marian sanctuary in the center of Impruneta. The church was erected starting in the 11th century, and was later expanded and embellished with numerous artworks. The structure was heavily damaged during World War II, and many of its original decorations have been lost. The adjacent museum houses several interesting pieces of religious art, along with various other historic artworks.

San Casciano in Val di Pesa

San Casciano in Val di Pesa is a town located south of Florence. Placed among the hills, this settlement was inhabited since ancient times, and was an important center in the Late Middle Ages. Most of its historic buildings were destroyed during World War II and were later rebuilt.

Giuliano Ghelli Museum

The Giuliano Ghelli Museum (Museo Giuliano Ghelli) is an art and archaeology museum adjacent to the Church of Suffragio in San Casciano in Val di Pesa. The museum houses a rich collection of religious art, including paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The museum also includes a collection of archaeological finds from the area around the town, including the stone slab from the Tomba dell’Arciere.

Tomba dell’Arciere

The Tomba dell’Arciere (“Bowman’s Grave”) is an Etruscan grave located south of San Casciano in Val di Pesa. The tomb dates from the 7th century BCE and featured a bas-relief depicting a bowman. The original slab is in the Giuliano Ghelli Museum, and a copy is now located near the tomb.

Greve in Chianti

Greve in Chianti is a town located among the hills of Chianti in the Metropolitan City of Florence. The town and the surrounding area are well known for the production of the famous Chianti wine.

Verrazzano Castle

The Verrazzano Castle is a historic castle located among the hills near Greve in Chianti, erected during the Late Middle Ages. The castle was for centuries a property of the Verrazzano family, which included the navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano, who is said to have been born here. The structure is surrounded by vineyards, and wine tasting tours are offered together with the visit of the castle.

Barberino Tavarnelle

Barberino Tavarnelle is a municipality located among the hills south of Florence, created by the merger of Barberino Val d’Elsa and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. The area is known for hosting a historic abbey.

Badia di Passignano

Also known as: Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo a Passignano (Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo a Passignano)

The Badia di Passignano is a historic abbey located among the hills of Tuscany, in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle. Founded around the 9th or 10th century, the abbey became one of the most important religious sites in the region in the Late Middle Ages. The current church was erected in the 13th century and it features several artworks. The main attraction of the complex are the numerous frescoes that adorn the chapels of the church and various areas of the monastery, and include The Last Supper (Ultima Cena) by Ghirlandaio.

Reggello

Reggello is a town located among the hills southeast of Florence. The town is known for various historic attractions located in the surrounding hills.

Sammezzano Castle

The Sammezzano Castle is a 17th-century palace located on a hill overlooking Leccio, a village near Reggello. The structure was renovated in Moorish Revival style during the 19th century and features various halls adorned with really elaborate and colorful decorations. The castle is surrounded by a vast park.

Vallombrosa Abbey

The Vallombrosa Abbey (Abbazia di Vallombrosa) is a historic Benedictine abbey located among the hills north of Reggello. Founded in the 11th century, it was expanded and reworked in the 15th century. The monastery houses several artworks and frescoes, some of which are hosted in a museum inside the complex.