Day Trips in Florence

Carthusian Monastery

Andrew Craggs

The Province of Florence has a vast and varied territory, rich in gently rolling hills and mountains, and streams and valleys, which extend from the Apennine chain as far as Valdelsa and from Mount Albano to Valdarno. The whole area, particularly the region all around its capital city, has been inhabited for centuries.

In the early years of the 15th century, in a Eulogy about the city of Florence the historian and humanist Leonardo Bruni wrote: "few cities can boast such a large number of inhabitants as the countryside all around Florence". At that time, there were already so many boroughs, houses and mansions that to the eyes of a poet it appeared like the "marvelous sight" provided by the moon "when it is encircled by the stars. As in a coat of arms decorated with a wealth of artfully interlocked painted or carved circles, the areas into which this region is divided will remind us of self-contained, yet overlapping circles sprawling out in all directions and enclosing the central jewel represented by the city".

The great concentration of art, culture, and unique Florence activities that fill Florence often puts its surroundings into second place, while they are actually a complement and frame for the city: Medieval villages, soft hills, monasteries and churches, cozy trattorias, shaded forests and green hills. Here, we have given just a few ideas of the many wonderful things and places to see, and the sensitive visitor will certainly be able to enrich this short group of itineraries.

Contributors
May 23, 2008 change by mcburton

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Villa Demidoff

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The Villa Demidoff park is located at Pratolino, on the Via Bolognese. Little remains of the splendid villa that Buontalenti built for Francesco I de’ Medici in 1575. The park, that has been completely restored, is open from April to October, and it is a wonderful place to visit outside the city. Giambologna’s monumental statue of the "Appennines" (1579-89) is an outstanding example of Florentine Mannerism.

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Settignano

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Cemetary di Settignano
photo by: Scott Michaels

This is a small village that grew up on the hillside north east of Florence; it can be reached by bus or via a panoramic drive along the hills from Fiesole. Gabriele D’Annunzio lived here in the Villa la Capponcina; the gardens of the Villa Gamberaia are considered among the loveliest in Europe and offer unforgettable views of Florence

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Forte di Belvedere

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address:	Via S. Leonardo
openings:	9am-8pm.
tel:	+39 (0)55 - 2342425

Certosa del Galuzzo (Carthusian Monastery)

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Carthusian Monastery
photo by: Andrew Craggs

Just 2 kilometers south of Florence rises the austere, fortress-like Certosa del Galluzzo. Founded by Niccolò Acciaiuoli in the 14th century to host young Florentines wanting to study the liberal arts, today it is inhabited by a group of Cistercian Benedictine monks. It contains several important artworks including five lunettes with "Scenes from the Passion", frescoed by Pontormo (1523-25).

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openings:	9-12am - 3-7pm Summer, - 9-12am - 3-5pm Winter - Closed on Mondays.
tel:	+39 (0)55 – 2049226

Fiesole

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Even the short 25-minute bus ride to this popular retreat for Florentines is filled with lovely sights and historic landmarks. Hop on Bus number 7, leaving from Piazza San Marco and you will be on your way to traveling past fountains, gardens, and statues throughout the hills surrounding the city. While Fiesole is considered a suburb of Florence, once here, you will feel like you’re more than just a few miles away from the bustle of the city. Highlights include Bandini Museum, the Roman Theater and Civic Museum, Cattedrale di San Romolo cathedral, and the Museum of the more..

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tel:	+39 055 23320
url:	www.firenzeturismo.it
address:	Florence Tourism Board: Via A. Manzoni, 16

Terme di Montecatini

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One of the Italy’s most popular spas is located roughly 19 miles northeast of Florence. Terme di Montecatini can be found in a peaceful Tuscan town where Florentines have visited for years to detox and relax in the spas curative waters. The spa is also a top choice for individuals interested in weight loss programs and others that are interested in treatments that beautify the body, such as mud baths. Highlights include: Tettuccio Spa and Stabilimenti Termali (modern thermal center), as well as a park that sits on top of several underground hot springs (Parco dei more..

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tel:	+39 0572 7781
url:	www.termemontecatiniweb.it
address:	Viale Verdi, 41 Pistoria - Italia
email:	info@termemontecatini.it

Pisa

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You simply cannot leave Italy without seeing one of the world's most recognizable landmarks -- the Leaning Tower of Pisa. At a mere 47 miles from Florence, you can travel to Pisa by train for half a day, then travel back in time for dinner. Trains leave every 1-1/2 hours and the trip is only an hour long. +39 055 892021. You can also take a short flight to Pisa's Galileo Galilei airport (www.pisa-airport.com). Other Pisa sights include Camposanto (cemetery, 1278), the Baptistery (1143), the National of St. Matthew, ll Duomo (designed in 1063), Duomo Museum, and the more..

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tel:	+39 050 929777
url:	www.pisa.turismo.toscana.it
address:	Tourist Office: Galleria Gerace, 14 - Pisa
email:	aptpisa@pisa.turismo.toscana.it

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