Episcopal Seminary

Episcopal Seminary

The Episcopal Seminary, an institution that hosts priests and seminarians, has been one of the most important educational and cultural structures in the Fiesole area, and one of the earliest in the Tuscan landscape. Established in 1635 under the episcopate of Monsignor Lorenzo della Robbia, it was erected near the bishop’s residence in Fiesole.

The palace, which houses the Seminary, dates back to the mid-16th century and features an imposing yet compact architecture. It is characterized by the regularity of the fenestrated facade that extends southwest from Piazza Mino da Fiesole to the steep street leading to the hill of San Francesco. Since the late 18th century, one of the interior spaces has housed a Madonna with Child and Saints, a glazed terracotta altarpiece from the atelier of Giovanni della Robbia.

The Episcopal Seminary, since 1803, has preserved by testamentary bequest the library of Canon Angelo Maria Bandini, as recalled by a Latin inscription at the entrance. The bibliographic fund, which includes works on religious, philosophical, historical, literary and scientific subjects, testifies to the librarian priest’s many interests. The library has over sixty thousand volumes, has a general catalog by author, and is currently open to the public upon request.