Two incomparable medievalhill towns await discovery today; one large (Siena), the other quite small butin both cases, the closest you will probably come to travelling back in time,as both town centres are untouched by modern architecture. One of the moststriking things about Siena is the harmoniousness of the architecture, withvirtually the whole medieval city built of brick; the colour of ‘burnt Siena’from your paint-box. First port of call will be the incredible Piazza delCampo, the magnificent square in the heart of the city and famous for thePalio, a bare-backed horse race which takes place there twice a year, in Julyand August. Your guide will also take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral,with its magnificent floor and countless works of art, plus the PiccolominiLibrary. Right opposite the cathedral is the former hospital of Santa Mariadella Scala, a medieval building which was still used as a hospital right upuntil the 1980’s and is now a museum. Theincredible Sala del Pellegrino has a fascinating secular fresco cycle. By now, you will be readyfor a delicious lunch (not included) in a local trattoria. From here, a shortdrive will bring you to San Gimingnano, a sort of Medieval New York, with 15medieval towers soaring upwards, like skyscrapers. Narrow streets, two perfectlittle squares and the most frescoed church in Tuscany complete the picture.
