Sights in Fiesole

Fiesole Highlights

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Florence, Fiesole preserves layers of history from its Etruscan and Roman origins to the Renaissance. The town’s archaeological heart features a remarkably intact Roman theater and thermal baths, while its museums house significant collections of sacred art and 20th-century architectural archives. The surrounding landscape includes Monte Ceceri, the site of Leonardo da Vinci’s early flight experiments, and the Italian national football museum in nearby Coverciano.

Fiesole Highlights — Map

Cyberuly / CC BY 2.5

A

Area Archeologica

This three-hectare archaeological site contains the remains of an ancient Etruscan city, a 1st-century BC Roman theater, a temple, and thermal baths. An adjacent museum displays artifacts recovered from the excavations, including ceramics and bronzes.

Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי… / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Basilica of Sant'Alessandro

The Basilica of Sant'Alessandro is a Catholic church in Fiesole, Italy.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

C

Museo Bandini

Housing the 18th-century collection of Canon Angelo Maria Bandini, this museum features Tuscan paintings from the 13th to 15th centuries. Notable works include gold-ground altarpieces and glazed terracottas from the Della Robbia workshop.

D

Fondazione Giovanni Michelucci

Located in the architect’s former home, Villa Il Roseto, this foundation preserves the drawings, models, and archives of Giovanni Michelucci. The site offers insights into 20th-century Italian architecture and views of the surrounding valley.

E

Museo del Calcio

Situated in the Coverciano technical center, this museum documents the history of the Italian national football team. Exhibits include jerseys, trophies, and memorabilia from Italy’s World Cup victories and European championships.

F

Villa Peyron

This estate features formal Italian gardens arranged on stone terraces, monumental fountains, and a forest park. The 18th-century villa is built over Etruscan ruins and offers a panoramic vantage point overlooking Florence.

G

Leonardo da Vinci - Monte Ceceri

This hilltop park is the site where Leonardo da Vinci and his assistant, Tommaso Masini, conducted flight experiments with a 'flying machine' in 1506. A commemorative plaque marks the spot amidst historic sandstone quarries.

Other Lists

Fiesole Essentials Religious Heritage