Our Siena walk – an unexpectedly full and lively picture of medieval life in central Italy can be gained from a visit to Siena, since the town retains much of its medieval appearance.

It is still entirely surrounded by walls, and its narrow, winding streets are lined mainly with buildings of the 14th and 15th centuries, when the city enjoyed political freedom and great commercial prosperity – then in 1555 it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The good government of 14th century Siena is movingly recorded by Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s frescoes in the Civic Museum.

Siena is rich in works of art – the brilliantly colored Duomo, with its extraordinary floor, and Duccio’s Maesta’ in the cathedral museum mark one of the great turning points in Italian art.

The font in the baptistry is a remarkable team work of the most fmous Renaissance sculptors.

The Campo, Siena’s historic center, and the site of the Palio and many other historical ceremonies, is certainly one of the loveliest squares in all Italy.

Your private guide will wait for you at the train station.

Soon you’ll find yourself in the heart of town, where we will visit first of all the extraordinary Duomo.

Completed around 1215, it epitomizes Siena’s desire not to be second to any other city, and, of course, its rivalry with Florence!

The quality of the sculptures enshrined is absolutely impressive. Just to quote some name: Nicola Pisano and Arnolfo di Cambio signed the pulpit, Michelangelo was the author of four statues, Donatello contributed with some bronze works.

But the paintings too, they are really breathtaking! In particular, Pinturicchio ‘divine’ frescoes in the Piccolomini Library will surprise you with their lively beauty and vibrant colors.