Fiesole

Located only 9km Northeast of Florence or 15 minutes by train, is the province of Fiesole, Italy. This Tuscan village overlooks the town of Florence from a tall perch on a hillside with a panoramic view. After reaching the top of the steep, winding roads, you will get a good view of the scenic hillsides and rolling terrain that surrounds the town.

The Roman influence is evident with the amphitheater, which greets you as you first enter town. The well-preserved ruins of the Roman baths are a must see. They allow you to envision how life must have been in ancient times.

Founded around 800 BC, it was a part of the Etruscan civilization that inhabited many of the hillside towns near Florence during that period. The ancient walls that were typical of the period are still evident. All the Roman influences took place after 283 BC when the Romans conquered the town. By the 14th century, it was home to the countryside villas of the rich Florentines.

The Roman stone seated amphitheatre offers views of the mountainous surroundings and gives one of the best views of Florence. Ruins of the Etruscan Walls are still a tourist favorite which has withstood the pressures of time and the elements.

Museums like the Civic Museum, the Franciscan Missionary Museum and the Bandini Museum are among the top tourist attractions. They offer a glimpse into some of the rich culture from past civilizations. The museums along with the archeological ruins are one of the main reason tourists come here, besides the view of Florence.

Estate Fiesolana or the Fiesole Summer festival starts in June and goes through August. It is two months of music, ballet, film and theater, held in the Roman amphitheater that still works perfectly for modern day performances. "Do as the Romans did", is the slogan for Italy's oldest summer celebration. Rich in events like opera, orchestra, film awards and dance festivals, it is a summer long cultural exhibit for tourists.

The overall feeling of Fiesole is one of a quiet hillside town that used to be a bustling Roman town. Its ruins rival those found in Pompei and give a good understanding of the culture from the past. The summer festival is a must if you are there during this time of year. It is easy to reach the town with a short bus or train ride from Florence, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way up to this hilltop town. You will find no better vantage point to view Florence or to see the accomplishments of the Roman empire.