Ellera – Sanctuary, Museums and Festa della Rificolona

Ellera combines paths through the hilly landscape with religious destinations, museums and events. This creates a destination for you whose surroundings can be explored both on foot and through cultural and sporting activities. The different themes are not centred on a single attraction, but on several specific destinations and routes around Ellera.

On foot to the sanctuary

The footpath from Ellera to the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso runs through the ANPIL Poggio Ripaghera and ends at the Santuario Madonna del Sasso. If you enjoy travelling on foot, this path is a clear part of the local orientation. Another religious landmark is located in the surrounding area: the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie al Sasso is situated at an altitude of 565 metres. The two destinations should be considered separately, with their respective names and locations.

Hills, mountains and gardens

The landscape around Ellera ranges from a hilly, green route to individual natural destinations. Mount Il Pratone is located in the surrounding area. Mount Poggio Stefanieri is also situated in the wider regional area. The Giardino di San Clemente and the Giardino Del Museo Archeologico are also located around Ellera. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between paths, mountain-related destinations and gardens without combining the destinations into a single site.

Vitello Trail and Maratonina del Vitello d’Oro

On 7 December 2025, the Maratonina del Vitello d’Oro held its 47th edition in Ellera (Fiesole). Its route runs through Valle and Monteloro along a hilly, green route between vineyards and olive groves. The sixth edition of the Vitello Trail included a 16.5 km competitive trail run with 800 metres of positive elevation gain. The Vitello Trail was organised by Polisportiva Ellera. The Vitello Hike included non-competitive 16.5 km or 10 km routes for hikers.

Museums and local culture

The Museo Bandini, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, the Museo di San Marco and the Museo Fiorentino di Preistoria Paolo Graziosi are located around Ellera. These four museums offer different cultural points of interest for planning your trip. The annual programme of the Circolo Ricreativo e Culturale Renato Murri also includes the Festa della Rificolona during the first ten days of September.

Ellera as a base for your planning

If you are considering a hotel in Ellera, you can base your choice on the themes that are important for your trip: the footpath to the Santuario Madonna del Sasso, the museums in the surrounding area, the gardens and mountains, or the Vitello routes. For a broader view of the surrounding area, you can also discover San Jacopo Al Girone.

For the overarching travel overview: Fiesole.