The site of Montefiesole is mentioned in written sources at the beginning of the 12th century, attesting the ownership by the bishop’s see of Florence of landed estates by in the parish of the same name. These lands were mainly gifts from pious donors. The castle ruins can be seen in the hamlet of the same name, situated on the hill top where the archaeological investigations were undertaken. Work began in 2000-2001 with a first surface survey and survey of visible walled structures. The first excavation followed in 2002.

In 2003 the excavation identified two different phases of fortification, both medieval in date. The first was datable to the 10th century by the sparse glazed wares and the typology of the pre-Romanesque walling (without horizontal courses), the second, dating to between the end of the 12th-13th century corresponded to the defensive perimeter wall of the castle mentioned in written sources.

The widening of the two excavation areas revealed circa three quarters of the defensive perimeter and a part of the castle’s urban structure. Several rectangular buildings, situated inside the castle, rest directly on the perimeter wall. Below the medieval stratigraphy the remains of walls, floor levels and pottery of Etruscan date came to light.