Florence - Surrounding Area

Fiesole

The ancient hill town of Fiesole lies to the north east of Florence (Firenze) and dates back to the very start of the Etruscan civilisation. This  town used to be regarded as a tranquil retreat from Florence but nowadays has been discovered by the crowds. The location offers a grandstand view of Florence but has the feel of a country village. In fact Fiesole dates back to the Bronze age which is before the time of Florence. It was then settled by the Etruscans and later by the Romans. The Duomo is worth a visit as are the other churches in Fiesole. The best attraction is the Roman Theatre and the Etruscan tombs.

Greve in Chianti

This famous wine producing region is to the south of Florence and a great attraction for wine lovers from all over the world. This is also the venue for Chianti’s largest wine festival usually held the second weekend in September. Greve is the chief town of the Gallo Nero region and is suitably equipped with a vineyard oriented tourist office in a building called La Torre, in Via Lucca Cini. This area is also wonderful for renting villas and apartments in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany.

Prato

Prato (meadow) takes its name from the meadow where the ancient settlement had a great market. It is now the second largest city in Tuscany. This has been the chief textile centre since the Middle Ages and still produces 75% of the woollen cloth produced in Italy. The historic centre remains enclosed behind its hexagonal stone walls.

Pistoia

To the north west of Florence and beyond Prato, this town is one of the least visited cities on Tuscany. Yet it is a quiet and well preserved mediaeval town at the base of the Apennines and only 35 minutes for Florence by train. We would recommend a visit to Piazza Garibaldi and the church of San Domenico and opposite to the Cappela del Tau with its preserved 14th and 15th century frescoes. Also worth a visit is the mediaeval ensemble complex around Piaaza del Duomo.