Spectacular Views of Florence

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Firenze, Toscana, IT

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Route Overview

Lucca Cycling Club

Curated Experiences for Bike Lovers

31 mi.

3,395 ft.

A short but challenging ride through Fiesole and up Monte Morello where you'll see Florence from its highest surrounding viewpoints.

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Route Details

The route starts and finishes from the @photo[northern side of Florence's monumental cathedral in Piazza del Duomo](11431170) (and where the annual memorial for Gino Bartoli is held). In as few as @slice[four kilometers](d,0,4007.87), you'll be in the surrounding countryside away from the city's hustle and bustle.

The first climb — @slice[Via San Domenico](d,3703.55,8083.89) — winds up the 2013 World Championship course and through the ancient town of Fiesole. Look out for the @photo[World Championship statue](11431158) and take in the @slice[spectacular views of Florence](d,5964.36,7333.68) below.

The gradient eases off after Fiesole where you'll find yourself on a ridge overlooking the stunning valley to Monte Morello. At the crossroads, continue on via an undulating sector to the small town of Pratolino where a swift sideroad carries you toward Monte Morello. The fir tree-lined tarmac feels alpine, and the lack of traffic is in complete contrast to the city  below.

At the summit, there's a restaurant and a viewpoint before a @slice[rollercoaster descent](d,28449.08,38426.44). When safely down in the valley below, you'll avoid the main roads by taking a few short punchy climbs along the foothills back towards Florence via Careggi. Among those short punchy climbs is a @slice[Via della Pietra](d,46778.28,47001.44), a cobbled *muro* (or wall) — don't say you weren't warned!

*Please be aware that you may encounter wild animals and cars or other cyclists in blind corners.*

## About Lucca Cycling Club
[ Lucca Cycling Club](https://luccacyclingclub.com/) is a virtual atelier for cycling travel founded by former pro cyclist and Canadian National Champion Alison Testroete. From our base in Lucca, we host bike trips across Italy worth training for.