February 20, 2023 - Fiesole - Monday climbing day

Since some of our daytrips that we plan on doing are going to be by bus we decided to do a trial run today to Fiesole a small hill town about 8 km from Florence. The guide books say that it is walkable but thank God that we took the bus. There were lots of switchbacks and in some places no sidewalk so it would not have been a nice hike. Besides we were winded just from walking around the town. It was a beautiful little town with hardly any tourists. It is located 940 feet above the city of Florence so as a result, we had a great view of the city. It was however hazy so not the best for pictures. We were in our own little paradise most of the time. No mask needed here since we were practically alone. With close to 20 degrees and the sun shinning it was nice and relaxing after the bustle of Florence. As a bonus we found 2 caches hid in the old Etruscan walls.

Beautiful sunny day as we head to the bus station en route to Fiesole.

King Vittorio Emanuele II and Garibaldi shaking hands

Fiesole Cathedral in the background

Narrow streets heading uphill

Jacques off to find our first geocache of the day.

Olive tree with what looks like calamata olives.

Time for lunch. Osso Buco. Very good.

Fiesole cathedral

COVID seating plan ??

Jacques off to find our second cache. Very interesting container.

Views of Florence. Not the clearest pictures due to the haze.

After a too short rest in our apartment, it was time to climb again. He headed to Piazzale Michelangelo which is uphill. It was a stiff climb with again switchbacks. There is a magnificent view of all of Florence from the square. We stayed for the sunset but it was a bit disappointing. We have far better sunsets in the Maritimes. The plaza was full of people enjoying the sun, music and view. I guess we will need to go again because we didn’t make it to the monastery that is behind the piazza. We were too tired. Next time we will go in the middle of the day rather than the end of the day. There might also be less people. 

Fiesole - This morning's outing.

San Salvatore al Monte on our way to Piazzale Michelangelo

Part of the old walls of the city.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - Duomo

Basilica of Santa Croce

Palazzo Vecchio

Waiting for the sun to set.

Replica of Michelangelo's David.

It was our biggest step day so far I logged 24,000 steps along with 68 flights of stairs. A little over 15 km. With all that uphill I imagine that we will be a bit stiff tomorrow.