From here we can visit some of Siena’s beautiful public fountains, while I explain the incredible aqueducts that run underneath the city even today. The most important fountain is Fonte Gaia, a monumental fountain located in the Piazza del Campo, which is actually a replica as the original panels are housed in the Santa Maria della Scala museum. The famous Piazza del Campo is a shell shaped square at the heart of Siena with its soaring Torre del Mangia tower and the buildings of the City Hall which also include a museum with an entire room filled with Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government frescoes. Each year the square is packed with dirt and transformed for the Palio horserace which is run twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th with 10 of the 17 contrada neighborhoods competing.

I will explain about the fascinating Torre del Mangia, but we won't climb up to the very top unless you let me know ahead of time as there are lots of steps!

Next I will take you through the ancient streets to the Duomo, the main Cathedral of Siena, one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in all of Italy with unforgettable frescoes in the Piccolomini Library and special tiled floors that are periodically uncovered for viewing. Please note that entrance to the Duomo and various museums and buildings surrounding it is not included and you can pay directly once you choose which you would like to visit.

This is the building with the oldest original facade in Siena.

Learn about the oldest bank in Europe that is still operating - Monte dei Paschi di Siena, that has brought riches to Siena and the province for hundreds of years.