Carve Your Own Adventure
Although the quarries of Maiano are no longer in use, the beauty and tranquility
of the spot make a trip here well worth it. To reach Maiano, take the
number seven bus towards Fiesole from Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station.
Just below Fiesole, ask the the driver for Maiano or the Pensione Bencista'.
You'll get off and follow signs for Maiano down a winding country lane.
You'll pass country villas and olive groves on this short 1 km walk. After
passing a small country chapel, you'll come to a junction. In front of
you is the Fattoria di Maiano, a former Benedictine Convent turned exhibition
space and country retreat. Check out their ample country store full of
Tuscan gastronomic specialties.
Now turn left and come to the parish church of San Martino. Although restored
throughout the centuries, parts of the original 11th century structure
are still visible and the facade bears a lovely depiction of Saint Martin
himself.
Continue on down the road and soon the beautiful quarried cliffs will
appear on your left. When the paved road ends, a trail begins which takes
you along the edges of the quarries and eventually up to Fiesole. To return
to Florence, return to the intersection with the Fattoria di Maiano and
continue down the picturesque Via Del Salviatino. After passing sumptuous
villas you'll arrive back in Florence and a nearby bus stop for the number
17 bus will take you back to the city center and train station.
Just Hanging Around
You'll often find rock climbers scaling the heights of the cliffs, which
have been outfitted with hooks and clamps for this reason. If you are
a climber yourself and would like to particiapte, there is a small office
at the cliffs where climbers congregate and which serves as a reference
point for enthusiasts.
Come Fly With Me
The Cave di Maiano are on the bottom slopes of Monte Ceceri, Swan Mountin,
which is the legendary spot from which Leonardo da Vinci launched his
flying experiments in 1505. Although da Vinci lacked the success of
Kitty Hawk, the slopes mark an important moment in the quest for human
flight.
Buon Appetito
When your explorations fuel your hunger, check out the delicious fare
of the Trattoria Cave di Maiano. This historic restaurant
began over 100 years ago as a country store and tavern for the quarrymen.
Here the Tuscan table comes alive with typical dishes like pappa al
pomodoro- a delicious tomato soup, ribollita- a hearty vegetable minestone,
and le grigliate di carne - delicious grilled meats. An extensive wine
selection of Tuscan and Italian favorites ensures a perfect match of
flavors. Particularily nice in warm months is the outdoor terrace, which
offers soothing views onto the surrounding hillscapes.
Trattoria Le Cave di Maiano 055-59133. Closed Monday lunch.
Another option is the Fattoria di Maiano itself, which
often organizes special lunches and dinners to feature the talents of
its culinary team and the bounty of the nearby fields.The estate also
organizes concerts and events in the evenings and on the weekend. Call
ahead for more information. Fattoria di Maiano 055-599600.
Heart to Hartt
For those wishing to learn more about the artists who put Maiano on
the map and their creative applications of pietra serena in Tuscany,
an invaluable resource is Frederick Hartt's History of Italian Renaissance
Art : Painting - Sculpture - Architecture, put out by Prentice Hall,
Inc. The clear concise text includes the artists featured in this article
and makes this remarkable era come alive.
>> Geology, Brunelleschi, the tradition and heroes
>> The Quarries of Maiano
|
