Fiesole to Settignano, Part 2

The path wound through some pretty thick forest for awhile and we gained some altitude, hitting "real" hiking trails. This is part is a park maintained by the village of Fiesole and the mountain is Montececri. We got our first glimpse of the Arno Valley. I really wish I had better pictures many of mine were lost when my old computer broke and these are just out of iPhoto.


We then found what used to be mines. There was a settlement up here at one time called Borgunto.
We continued on from here and we followed the signs to Piazzale Leonardo on the top of Montececeri. Unfortunately, those pictures are lost, but I did find this one telling you to not fall on your head.

Another view from further up the mountain. Piazzale Leonardo had a picnic table and a monument to Leonardo da Vinci. From the top of this mountain he led experiments in human flight. Let's just say he did not succeed, but the monument has a story and quote from Leonardo and makes for an nice place to break for lunch, which we did.

After lunch we came down the mountain and followed our directions into a small settlement there was a church and two or three other buildings, but no signs of any people. This horse was the only other living thing we saw on this section of the hike. We passed through this "town" and continued down the footpath, which we hoped was getting us ever closer to Settignano...Now, for those of you out there who would wish to check out Fiesole. You simply take the Bus #7 from downtown Florence to the end of the line the main square in Fiesole and walk around. The town itself deserves a day with a monastery, park with a great view, some restaurants, amazing Etruscan ruins and an archaeological museum. To get bus tickets in Italy you go into a shop that says "Tabacchi" and ask. They'll speak English in Florence or for the adventurous you can simply say "Vorrei un biglietto per l'autobus." Most likely they'll give you one and answer in English. Bus tickets were 1,10 Euro last time I was there. When you get on the bus remember to validate your ticket in one of the big yellow boxes near the entrances. Insert your card and a time and date will be printed on the ticket and your good to go. This trip is easy because you'll see bus stops all over Florence. The best place to get #7 is from the train station or across the street from the Duomo. Again, if lost, just ask! In general, people are very helpful and even a simple "Ciao" and "Grazie" is seen as an attempt at the langauge.

There will be more on this trip to come very soon. Enjoy!