About the Maiano country estate

The course is held at the picturesque Fattoria di Maiano, a working farm producing high-quality organic olive oil located in the hamlet of Maiano (pronounced ma-ee-yaa-no) on the hills above Florence. The Fattoria includes a grouping of restored farm buildings and part of an old monastery and school. In fact the hall where instruction actually takes place was at one time used for restoring tapestries and is within the cloisters of the old monastery.

Also on the grounds is the stately and impressive Villa di Maiano, which was used for filming some scenes in the movies “Room with a View” and “Tea with Mussolini”. The villa dates back to 1400 but over the years it has been expanded and improved. The Corsini family purchased the property in 1903 and the present owner, Contessa Lucrezia Corsini Miari Fulcis who lives in another home on the Fattoria grounds, is continuing the conservation and restoration work. The villa is currently open for tours and functions.

Maiano is perched midway between the ancient Etruscan town of Fiesole and Florence, and from the south-facing terraces at the Fattoria the Arno river valley seems to stretch out at your feet, including the Renaissance city and its famous Duomo. The view is nothing less than inspiring.

There are several good restaurants a short walk from the Fattoria and there is also Lo Spaccio (the shop) at the farm which sells the basic ingredients you would need to prepare your own meals (the apartments all have well equipped modern kitchens) as well as a wide selection of local wines and delicious prepared food at its deli counter. The terrace outside is an ideal spot to enjoy your purchases, or you can take the food back to your apartment.
A week at the Fattoria, savoring the food, wines and views and taking walks in the surrounding countryside may be your dream holiday, but if you wish to explore a bit there are plenty of things to see and do within easy reach. The two nearest towns are of course Florence, and Fiesole.

Fiesole: This former Etruscan, then Roman settlement offers the modern services of a small town (shops, post office, supermarket, pharmacy) as well as great views and ancient ruins (Roman amphitheater and archaeological zone). From the Fattoria, Fiesole can be reached on foot, by bus or taxi.
Florence: Bus and/or taxi service can take you comfortably to the center of Florence from the Fattoria. The myriad of guide books on the market can provide you with all the information you may need to explore this Renaissance jewel. Here are two recommendations:
- Blue Guide Florence, Alta Macadam, Somerset Books, ISBN 1 905131 02 X
- The rough Guide to Florence, Tim Jepson and Jonathan Buckley, Rough Guides, ISBN 1 85828 728 6


To reach Maiano from your country of origin you may choose to fly to one of the several airports in the area. The Florence airport lies to the west of the city and is conveniently connected to the center by bus service. The Pisa airport is linked with Florence by train or bus service (travel time: about 1 hour). From the center of Florence it is best to take a taxi from the central train station to the ‘Fattoria di Maiano’. This is the exact address: Via Benedetto da Maiano, 1150016 Fiesole (FI), Tel. 055 599600.

Practical tips: Voltage in Italy is different from that in North America (220 instead of 110) and the pin arrangement of plugs is different as well. Check you appliance instructions before you leave! As for cell or mobile phones, check with your local network provider before departure. However, all the apartments at the Fattoria have direct line telephones and the Fattoria does not add service charges. Internet connections are not provided but there are plenty of Internet points in Florence.


See more pictures or visit the Maiano Estate site

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