get off the bus in Piazza Mino da Fiesole we look up towards the Town Hall, the Municipio, at the east end above the piazza. Before setting out, let’s stop to observe the remarkable display of heraldry on the façade honouring the Podestà, and visit the church of Santa Maria Primerana.
Now facing the church, we take the narrow uphill lane at the extreme right. This is Via Giuseppe Verdi. Look for the sign on the wall to the right
PASSEGGIATA PANORAMICA
and above reading –
This day, 28 April 1710, the respectable eight Signori of the Guardia e Balia (magistrates, bailiffs) of the city of Florence forbade any person whomsoever to play any sort whatsoever of game near the oratory of S Maria Primerana of Fiesole within 50 armlengths when said oratory is open under penalty of 4 scudi, or arrest, or arbitration.
while on the left is a red and white mark indicating
CAI-ITIN-1 SETTIGNANO 1 h COMPIOBBI 2.30 h
Our walk now begins. The roads and footpaths ahead are copiously way-marked with these red and white CAI (Italian Alpine Club) blazes.
The tight little lane climbs fairly steeply for a few minutes between villas and houses of refined composition and artistry until it levels out at the top.
One should enjoy the peaceful, ambling pace. On the right is an all-embracing view over the Arno valley and Florence and set against the background are the Chianti hills – a sight to slake the thirst of any romantic soul. From this point the city is best seen at dawn or in the evening when the sun is low and the bordering hills present a sharp edge against the western sky.
We walk forward keeping to the left, ignoring Via Doccia which dips down to the right. This is Via Montececeri. Up