Parco di Monte Ceceri: Leonardo's Flight & Ancient Quarries

Parco di Monte Ceceri, located in Fiesole, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The 44-hectare park sits on the eastern edge of Fiesole, within the Metropolitan City of Florence. The park's name, Monte Ceceri, is derived from the local term for swans ('ceceri') that once frequented the area; the outgrowth on their beaks resembled chickpeas ('ceci' in Italian). Historically, Monte Ceceri was a crucial source of 'pietra serena', a grey-blue sandstone used extensively in Florentine architecture since at least the 15th century. The Medici government closely controlled its exploitation due to its wide use in architectural works, monuments, and urban furnishings. The park still contains reserves of this stone. Mining activity ceased in 1929, and the area underwent a reforesting project. The park is also known as the place where Leonardo da Vinci allegedly conducted his flight experiments. Piazzale Leonardo da Vinci, a panoramic terrace within the park, commemorates this connection with a memorial stone. According to legend, in 1506, Leonardo's friend Tommaso Masini piloted a flying machine from this hill, gliding approximately one kilometer before landing. Today, Parco di Monte Ceceri features various pedestrian routes and hiking trails. These include routes like 'Concerning Flight,' 'A Terrace Overlooking Florence,' 'The Quarries Stonemasons,' and 'Breathe the Forest'. The trails offer shaded walks in the summer and open areas with views. Visitors can explore historic sites like Cava del Braschi and Cava Sarti, large open-air quarries. The park provides panoramic views of Florence and the Arno Valley.