Mura di Fiesole, City walls in Fiesole, Italy
The Mura di Fiesole are ancient city walls built by the Etruscans around the 4th century BC and positioned on a hilltop overlooking the town. They are constructed from large squared blocks of gray stone stacked without mortar in what is known as cyclopean masonry, with fragments still visible on the north side along Via delle Mura Etrusche and on the east side near Via Mari.
The walls were built by the Etruscans around the 4th century BC when the city was expanding and required defense. They remained standing for roughly 1000 years until 1125, when they were demolished and never rebuilt.
The walls represent the defensive identity of ancient Fiesole and show how the Etruscans organized their settlement at this elevated location. Today, walking along their remains helps visitors understand the daily reality of a fortified ancient town.
Access to the wall remains is free and open any day, making it easy to include this site in your visit at any time. The elevated location means the terrain can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes when walking along the routes where sections are still visible.
The walls are called cyclopean because the stones are so large that ancient people imagined only mythical cyclops could have moved them. This distinctive building method reflects Etruscan engineering skill and remains one of the most recognizable features of their construction.
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