FIESOLE - ITALY HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR
Fiesole - a brief history
Fiesole is of Etruscan origin, as may be seen from the remains of its ancient walls, and was probably founded in the 9 C BC. One possible reason for the prosperity of Etruscan and Roman Fiesole could be its location near a ford over the Arno close to where Roman Florence (Florentia) would rise. Fiesole's location also made it strategic for travellers on all the main roads between southern and central Etruria to the south of Italy (covering large parts of present day Tuscany, Umbria and Latium) and the Etruscans in the area around the Po valley to the north of Italy.
Travel Guide for Visitors to the Chianti Classico Wine Region of Tuscany, Italy.
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Vacation in the country near Fiesole
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The Romans conquered Faesulae, as Fiesole was then known, in 283 BC. Under Roman rule, it became the seat of a famous school of augurs, and every year twelve young men were sent here from Rome to study the art of divination. Rome typically drew heavily on the Etruscans for priests and augurs. Sulla colonised it with veterans, who afterwards, under the leadership of Manlius, supported the cause of Catiline. Near Fiesole, the Vandals and Suevi under Radagaisus were defeated (405) by hunger rather than by the troops of Stilicho. A considerable number of interesting finds from the Etruscan period - urns, bucchero, clay and bronze statues - together with other objects from Roman times are to be found in the Museum near the archaeological zone.
During the Gothic War (536-53), Fiesole was besieged several times and in 539 Justinus, the Byzantine general, captured it and razed its fortifications. In the early Middle Ages, Fiesole was more powerful than Florence in the valley below, and many wars arose between them. In 1010 and 1025 Fiesole was sacked by the Florentines, and its leading families obliged to take up their residence in Florence.
Christianity was introduced to Fiesole by St. Romulus, a disciple of St. Peter. The fact that the ancient cathedral (now the Abbazia Fiesolana) stands outside the city is a evidence that the Christian origins of Fiesole date from the period of the persecutions. The earliest mention of a Bishop of Fiesole is in a letter of Gelasius I (492-496). A little later, under Vigilius (537-55), a Bishop Rusticus is mentioned as papal legate at one of the Councils of Constantinople. The legendary St. Alexander is said by some to belong to the time of the Lombard King Autari (end of the sixth century), but the Bollandists assign him to the reign of Lothair (middle of the ninth century).
A very famous bishop of Fiesole was St. Donatus, an Irish monk, the friend and adviser of Emperors Louis the Pious and Lothair. He was elected in 826 and is buried in the cathedral, where his epitaph, dictated by himself, can be seen. The numerous locations and churches incorporating his name, San Donato, provide evidence of his influence and popularity throughout Tuscany. He founded the abbey of San Martino di Mensola. Bishop Zanobi in 890 founded that of St. Michael at Passignano, which was afterwards given to the Vallombrosan monks - Badia a Passignano. Other bishops were Hildebrand of Lucca (1220), exiled by the Florentines; St. Andrew Corsini (1352), born in 1302 of a noble Florentine family, and who, after a reckless youth, became a Carmelite monk, studied at Paris, and as bishop was renowned as a peacemaker between individuals and States. He died 6 January, 1373, and was canonised by Urban VIII. Other famous bishops were the Dominican Fra Jacopo Altovita (1390), noted for his zeal against schism; Antonio Aglio (1466), a learned humanist and author of a collection of lives of the saints; the Augustinian Guglielmo Bachio (1470), a celebrated preacher, and author of commentaries on Aristotle and on the Sentences of Peter Lombard; Francesco Cataneo Diaceto (1570), a theologian at the Council of Trent and a prolific writer; Lorenzo della Robbia (1634), who built the seminary. Among the famous natives of Fiesole is the painter Lorenzo Monaco (1370-1424). But the greatest name associated with the history of the city is that of Fra Angelico, Blessed Giovanni Angelico da Fiesole (1387-1455).
Majestic mansion for sale near Florence | Fiesole, Italy - Ref. 0129
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Luxury villa in Tuscany surrounded by the green hills of Fiesole and only 5 kilometres from Florence city centre. The property has a unique prestigious position thanks to the extensive woods covering 18 hectares which isolate the villa from the city centre.
The estate has a thick vegetation with bamboo grove of reeds, secular oak trees and linden trees. On the back of the real estate there are a secular live oaks and a large Laurus Camphorae of the XVII Century. In the Italian garden there is a circular pool and it is surrounded by several kinds of trees and plants such as palms, ancient rose gardens, live oaks and a big cedar that hides the facade of the villa.
Florence Accademia Gallery
A close look at Michelangelos David. Yes, this one statue is worth the visit to the Accademia Gallery. He stands 18 feet tall, a perfect marble figure ready to strike down the giant. Many feel this is the greatest statue ever created.
FLORENCE CITY , HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR - ITALY (PART 1)
What You Can Expect Florence City Hop-on Hop-off Tour There is no better way to see Florence than on this hop-on hop-off tour Discover Italian art, history and culture on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Florence. Select a 1-, 2- or 3-day pass and travel around the city’s top attractions, hopping on and off as you like. See the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo, the burial spot of Galileo and Machiavelli at Santa Croce church and more. Your pass includes unlimited rides for the duration selected and 360-degree views from the open air of the upper deck. Discover the jewel of the Renaissance on a hop-on hop-off tour through Florence. Climb aboard an open-top double-decker bus with options for 1-, 2- and 3-day travel. Settle in your seat to view the city’s most popular sites and hop off to explore on your own at any stop.
Read more about Florence City Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Florence | Viator at:
Florence Italy on A Beautiful Day
Florence Italy on A Beautiful Day
Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell'Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”
SOUNDTRACK - Vincenzo Bellini - Casta Diva from The Opera Norma
Video Produced by Paul Dinning - Wildlife in Cornwall
Filmed in July 2018
Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy — Best Panoramic City Views!
A short walk from Florence's historical center brings you to Piazzale Michelangelo, the setting for a perfectly picturesque city viewpoint — great for photography buffs or lovers of beautiful places! It makes for a great place to watch sunrise or sunset, have a drink at one of the cafes overlooking the city, and gives easy access to one of the most magnificent churches in Florence: San Miniato al Monte. Join Walks Traveler on another #digitaldaytrip, a quick escape from the workday!
The beautiful town of Pietrasanta in Tuscany Italy
See this old and beautiful town not far from the beach.
Pablo Bisquera.
Fiesole, Italy overlooking Florence
The sights and sounds of Fiesole in the hills overlooking Florence. Maineiacs October 2008 visit.
FIESOLE (PHOTOS) - ITALY
The mystical beauty of Fiesole, less than 10 km outside of Florence, encompasses centuries of history and it is amazing well preserved. Largely unknown by many, this small town hides a wealth of surprises: the massive stones that make up the Etruscan walls, the remains of Roman baths, the green hilltop where Leonardo da Vinci first experimented with the concept of flight, and the Roman amphitheater that still serves as a stage for the EstateFiesolana summer events. The small city center is home to a wide range of historical sites, churches and parks where you can spend some time escaping from the hustle and bustle of Florence.
Fiesole was well established as an Etruscan stronghold in the 8th century BC, until the Romans were finally able to dominate, building a thriving town of their own over the remains. For centuries it existed as a powerful rival to Florence, until once again it was subdued and its ruling nobles were forced to take up residence within the walls of the conquering city. In the 14th century it became known as the new living quarters for the rich and famous Florentines looking for new territory to build their villas surrounded by cypress trees and spectacular gardens.
The hillside looms 295 meters above Florence, offering a special and stunning panorama of the Renaissance city. The city lends itself to a lazy afternoon exploring its historical museums, gardens & villas, picturesque streets, simple yet stunning churches, trails and parks. After having discovered the secrets of Fiesole, then you can choose from the wide selection of cafes, restaurants and pizzerias, savoring good food with a unique backdrop.
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