Travels in Tuscany--Fiesole

Florence is a city in the region of Tuscany.  Florence will serve as our home base and we will take trips around Tuscany.

Our first trip was to the nearby hill town of Fiesole, a short bus trip to the outskirts of Florence.

Fiesole is a very old town, rich with history.  Because Fiesole is located on top of a high hill, it is likely much older than Florence, which is situated along the river in the valley below.  Ancient people, like the Etruscans and their ancestors, preferred settling in more defensible locations (like hilltops) to fend off the inevitable attacks of other groups. 

Fiesole has an archaeological site and museum that are worth visiting.  The archaeological site has ruins from three eras of occupation. 

There are ruins of an Etruscan temple (from around 1,000 BC) and a sturdy defensive wall erected by the Etruscans.  The wall is still standing. 

During the Roman era (first century and later), a temple, theater and baths were built.  Their ruins are still there. 

During the Lombard era (around 600 BC), Lombards swept from the North and occupied a large part of Italy, including Fiesole, where Lombard tombs have been uncovered.  (Who were the Lombards?  They were a fun-loving bunch of lads originally from Scandinavia who partied their way south all the way to Italy where they settled and remained for two centuries.) 

Here are some photos from our visit. 

Fiesole:  Map of the archaeological site

Fiesole:  Ruins of the Etruscan temple, with some random dude

Fiesole:  View of the Roman baths

Fiesole:  View of the Roman theater

Fiesole:  Roman theater with some random hottie

Fiesole:  Map of the Roman baths. A cold, warm and hot bath was available, along with an ancient Gold's gym for working out.  The gym was in the "criptoporticus".

Fiesole:  Depiction of a Lombard burial in the Archaeological Museum

Fiesole:  An actual Lombard tomb discovered nearby and moved to the Archaeological Museum

Fiesole:  Some devil-may-care tourist standing atop the ancient town wall.  Apparently, she is not worried about the wall finally collapsing after 3,000 years.   

Fiesole:  Artsy photo about the changing seasons

 
P.S.  One of the benefits of visiting Fiesole is the view of nearby Florence.  Check it out here.