Etruscan arch was built of massive stones in the fourth century B.C. Volterra’s original wall was 6km around—twice the size of the wall that encircles it today.
The simple 13th-century facade conceals a more intricate interior (rebuilt in the late 16th and 19th centuries),
The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the PALIO. Amazing PIAZZA DEL CAMPO e TORRE DEL MANGIA!
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of Siena and is regarded as one of Europe greatest medieval squares. The twice a year horse-race, PALIO di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza.
Medieval Siena was a proud republic, and this tower stands like an exclamation point—an architectural declaration of independence from papacy and empire.
It is included within the museum is Ambrogio Lorenzetti's series of frescos on the good government and also some of the finest frescoes of Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti.
Built in 1338/48, it is located in Piazza del Campo (adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico). When built it was one of the tallest secular towers in mediaeval Italy. At 88 m it is now second only to Cremona
This a copy of an early 15th-century work by Jacopo della Quercia, you can see the original one at at Santa Maria della Scala.
On the Duomo Square, opposite the old hospital of Santa Maria della Scala, rises the huge majestic Cattedrale dell'Assunta, a splendid example of the Italian Gothic.
The Cathedral of Siena dedicated from its earliest days as a Roman Catholic Marian church and now to Santa Maria Assunta is a medieval church. The cathedral was designed and completed between 1215/63.
Try to get a ticket for the very last time slot of the day. By the time you finish the tour, the cathedral will be almost empty, adding a little extra to the experience.
It has the form of a Latin cross with a slightly projecting transept a dome and a bell tower. The dome rises from a hexagonal base with supporting columns. The nave is separated by semicircular arches
In Italy, the Museo dell'Opera, houses works of art formerly in the city cathedral, the "Duomo". The Palazzo Pubblico, itself a great work of architecture, houses yet another important art museum.
Entrance at the Museo dell’Opera. Queues can be long since only a limited group of people is allowed to go up every 15 minutes. Great panoramic view though, definitely worth the wait.
The exterior and interior are constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with addition of red marble on the façade. Black and white are the symbolic colors of Siena.
The Santa Maria Scala (0039 577 534571; santamariadellascala.com; £4.80) is a vast art-filled building which, until 1995, was Siena’s main hospital for 800 years.
Unlike Florence or Pisa, Siena did not build a separate baptistry. The baptistry is located underneath the eastern bays of the choir of the Duomo. It was completed about 1325.
It’s tempting to head to the Campo for a cappuccino. Resist: you’ll be back there soon enough. Instead, make for Piazza Salimbeni, at the northern end of Banchi di Sopra, Siena’s main artery.
The church is pretty big but not that impressive. As of October 10 2015, it was under full construction with scaffolding covering nearly the entire cathedral inside and some walls on he outside
One of eight gates in Siena's old defensive enclosure. The arch of the gate bears the inscription "Cor Magis Tibi Siena Pandit", meaning "Siena opens its heart to you wider than this gate".
One of the most beautiful piazzas in Florence. Climb up the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower to have incredible views of the city!
The first stone of the Duomo’s facade was laid on September 8, 1296 but the decoration you see here dates to 1871-87! For something older, turn around: the Baptistry is 11th century ;-)
Offers two perfect platforms for a bird’s-eye view of the city – providing you can handle the climb. It’s 463 steps to the top of the dome and 414 to the viewing platform.
Giotto's bell tower is the bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence's cathedral, and is located in Piazza del Duomo. Its foundations were dug around in 1298
3 bronze doors access this octagonal baptistery. Look closely at the frames - can you spot accurate bronze insects including locusts and flies? More Tuscan baptisteries: http://bit.ly/1fCeN8x
No crowds here! Among great artworks, there is the original Ghiberti Gates of Paradise and the Michelangelo's Pieta: the dead Christ held up by the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus. Read more.
The copy of the David, a wonderful collection of statues and Palazzo Vecchio are all in this beautiful square. There is also free water fountain to refill your water bottles - in sparkling and still!
La Loggia della Signoria is a historical monument of Florence, located in Piazza della Signoria on the right side of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi,
Step inside this place of government! The frescoed courtyard's free; the museum upstairs is worth a visit (open late, too). Check out paintings by Vasari & the luscious Chapel of Eleonora by Bronzino.
Great view from the top, but there can be a long wait to climb the stairs. The audio guide for the palace was informative. The stairs are not too bad, as they start at the top of the palace
Nice collection of glass and sculpture. There was an exhibit celebrating women and fashion while we were there that was much more educational and fun than I was expecting.
One of the most important museums in the world with paintings by Tuscan artists Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and more.
One of the great works of art in the world. A must on the Florence tour
TheGallery hosts the famous David by Michelangelo, symbol of Florenceand of the Renaissance and some unfinished works of Michelangelo. Read more.
It is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created between 1501 and 1504. It is a 5.17-metre, marble statue of a standing male nude. The statue represents the Biblical hero David. FANTASTIC!
The first church in the Renaissance style also features a burial chapel and a library by Michelangelo. If you find the Laurentian Library open, go in! Enjoy a day in Florence http://bit.ly/1i50PRA
It is on the site, first of the city's forum and then of the city's old ghetto, which was swept away during the city improvement works, when Florence was the Capital of Italy. VERY BEAUTIFUL!
Piazza Santa Croce is one of the main squares of Florence, located near piazza della Signoria. It takes its name by the Basilica of Santa Croce that overlook the square.
The second largest Franciscan church in the world. Look for a dark mark on the columns; that’s the water level from the Flood of 1966.
It is the first basilica (Dominican church). The church, the adjoining cloister, and chapterhouse contain a store of art treasures and funerary monuments. Frescoes by masters of Gothic & Renaissance.
Symbolism, theology, beauty – the Spanish chapel in Santa Maria Novella has it all, so make room on your next jaunt to this side of the city.
Good Museum San Marco beside the church! It is housed in what was the cloisters of the monastery, taken over in 1437 by the Dominican order and funded by Lorenzo de Medici. The quarters of University.
It was the door/tower from which the southern part of the city walls began; Is the only door that retains its original height. Since 2011, visitors can climb the tower during the summer months.
Porta San Frediano is part of the walls of Florence and is located in the district of Oltrarno, the area to the west which takes its name from the village of the same name, in turn,
Built in 1326, it was an important point of access to the city as it still is today. The two large wooden doors are originals.
Make friends with the river while in Florence. It's a very nice companion for morning and evening strolls.
The “old bridge” once housed butchers, but the Medici, who had Vasari build his famous corridor above it, complained of the smell and installed goldsmiths here.
Dedicated to Michelangelo, it is one of the most famous places in the world, for the magnificent panoramic view of Florence! Here you will also find bronze copies of some of his works.
Close to Piazzale Michelangelo. Same great panorama over Firenze, less crowded.
The garden on the side of Piazzale Michelangelo, many Italians don't even know where this is. A peaceful garden where you can relax to take in the sun and read a good book.
The wonderful Boboli Gardens lie behind the Pitti Palace. The Medici Family first created it, inventing the model of the Italian garden, which was copied by many European Courts. Read more.
Forte Belvedere, founded in 1590 and built by Buontalenti, was created to defend the city, to hold the treasury of the Medici family. It was connected to Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio.
Are you looking for a place to taste excellent Italian products, drink wine and meet people? Come to Mercato Centrale Firenze! Open every day 10am-12pm.
There is much more than the Leaning Tower in the city. Discover Pisa in a 10-step trip: http://bit.ly/1hpO7KA
Standing in a large green expanse, Piazza del Duomo houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architecture had a great influence on monumental art in Italy Read more.
The Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, stands opposite the west end of the Duomo. It was built in Romanesque style in the mid 12th century. It is the largest baptistery in Italy.
The heart of the Piazza is the Duomo, the medieval cathedral, entitled to Santa Maria Assunta. This is a five-naved cathedral with a three-naved transept. The church is known also as the Primatial.
You didn't travel all the way here just to take a cheesy photo! Climb the tower, see the cathedral and museum it's well worth an additional few euro.
Redesigned in 1558 by Vasari, now it's home to the Scuola Normale di Pisa (a prestigious university). 10 things to see/do in Pisa:http://bit.ly/1hpO7KA
San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town. It is mainly famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers. Very Beautiful Town! Amzing View! It is UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Amazing city! You will love the food and the wine here. Amazing views of the surroundings are unbelievable!
Easily a must-see in San Gimignano. Walls are completely covered in frescos, full of colour. Stunning windows too.
Highest point in san gimignano. Has a good city view. Be careful about wind. See it!
A clever system of pipes drained rainwater from the nearby rooftops into the underground cistern. Water was then collected in the well.
Choosing is losing. Way too many flavours to choose from. If you cannot decide, try the Thai-inspired ice cream: coconut, mango and hints of lemongrass.
Claiming the championship also, this Gelateria on the corner has some of the most extraordinary flavors of Gelato I've ever tried! Cheesecake and Nocciola was perfect!
Monteriggioni is architecturally and culturally significant; it hosts several piazzas, is referenced in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy and has appeared in American Movies. Amazing Castle and View!
Don’t expect to walk around the castle over the walls. Access to the walls is limited to 2 short very short walkways at both gates.
Beautiful castle in Tuscany with wine cellar and small shop. We were lucky to have come on Medieval Festival day with food l, music and shopping. Worth a visit for sure.
Great place for a stroll or bike ride; there are a couple of hire shops near Porta San Pietro. Continue to discover Lucca: http://bit.ly/Oo0H4G
Have you ever seen a 44 meter high 14th-century tower with trees on top? This is the only one we know. Walk up 225 stairs to the top for a great view. Part of the "green Lucca": http://bit.ly/1cOrsFa
This was the theatre of Roman Lucca; it held up to 10,000 people. The 55 arches are all still there, count em if you don’t believe us! Continue to discover Lucca: http://bit.ly/Oo0H4G
Amazing place if you like sculpture gardens. Or just know how to appreciate peace & tranquillity. Make sure to bring a camera because you can take some great shots here.
Sede di un orologio cittadino già dal 1390.Situata nel centro storico di Lucca e precisamente sulla Via Fillungo venne acquistata nel 1490 divenendo Torre Civica. Read more.
Piazza San Michele has a perfect square shape cause it was the junction of the antique roman cardo and the decumanus. At the center of this square you'll find the church of San Michele.
It was the first see of the bishops of the diocese. At the beginning of the 8th century the dignity of cathedral was transferred to San Martino and it retained the right to the baptismal font.
During the three middle weeks of July Lucca turns into a meeting point for musicians and international artists. Don't miss the amazing live shows: http://bit.ly/1l01QNz
Ammannati was commissioned with construction of this building which supposed to be the symbol of power. Noteworthy is the deliberate asymmetry to underscore the spontaneousness of Lucca's Renaissance.
In early 19th century the Royal University of Lucca used it for experiments on local and exotic tree species to be planted on estates in the Lucca area.
Giacomo Puccini (1858 - 1924) was born in Lucca in 1858 and was the most important Italian composer in the generation after Verdi.
Val d'Orcia fuses art, landscape and ecosystem in one geographical space, and is the expression of a series of marvelous natural characteristics. Read more.
Small, quiet town. Couple churches, a fortress, but most of all Brunello on every corner of every street.
Tickets are 4 euros per person to climb to the top of the fortress, although no one checks that you've purchased a ticket.
Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town. It is a major producer of food and drink. Renowned for its pork, cheese, Pici, lentils and honey. It is known world-wide for its AMAZING WINE!
Survey the square, the town’s four great powers stare each other down. Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo del Capitano, the Palazzo Tarugi, and the Palazzo Contucci.
Entrance fee: 5€. Great panoramic views of Piazza Grande and the vineyards around Montepulciano.
