Episcopal Palace, Episcopal palace on Piazza Mino, Fiesole, Italy

The Episcopal Palace stands on Piazza Mino beside Fiesole Cathedral, begun with it in 1028 under Bishop Jacopo Bavaro. Its facade dates to 1500, and a 19th-century double staircase leads to the entrance, above which hangs the coat of arms of Bishop Filippo Neri Altoviti. Inside are the bishop's private chapel and the Oratory of San Jacopo Maggiore.

Construction started in 1028 under Bishop Jacopo Bavaro and later expanded in the 14th century by Bishop Andrea Corsini. These building campaigns show how the palace grew and changed over several generations.

The Oratory of San Jacopo Maggiore, built by Bishop Cattani da Diacceto, holds Lorenzo di Bicci's Coronation of the Virgin, along with paintings by Niccodemo Ferrucci and Antonio Marini. The bishop's private chapel nearby carries late 15th-century frescoes of the Ghirlandaio school showing Saint Romulus, Saint James and God the Father.

The palace is open for visitors to see the exterior architecture and entrance details. It is worth checking local visiting hours in advance, as access may vary depending on the season and special events.

In the palace garden stand remains of an Etruscan wall that once supported the lower ring of the acropolis; it continues into the garden of the adjacent Diocesan Seminary, on whose site the San Francesco Monastery now stands.