Siena’s 13th-century cathedral and striped bell tower are one of the most illustrious examples of Romanesque-Gothic style in Italy. This ornate but surprisingly secular shrine
Siena’s fine Gothic City Hall is still the seat of city government. With its proud tower, this building symbolizes a republic independent from the pope
Whenever I speak to someone who has traveled to Siena, someone else nearby always seems to chime in: “Siena? I loooove Siena!” Located in the
Trattoria Anita – Midway between the Uffizi and Santa Croce, feels old-school, with wood paneling decorated by dusty rows of wine bottles. Brothers Nicola, Gianni,
For our stay in Florence, we chose a hotel in the sleepy zone near the Ponte Vecchio. This area has several sights and some fine
The imposing Pitti Palace, several blocks southwest of Ponte Vecchio, has many separate museums and two gardens. The main reason to visit is to see
The striking green-and-white marble facade of 13th-to-15th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Novella fronts an entire monastical complex, comprising romantic church cloisters and a frescoed chapel.
In the Renaissance, Florentine artists rediscovered the beauty of the natural world. The Uffizi Gallery shows this beauty in all its three-dimensional, realistic glory, capturing
The Basilica of San Lorenzo – on the site of the first Christian church in Florence – was built outside the Roman walls and consecrated
Florence’s massive cathedral is the city’s geographical and spiritual heart. Its dome, visible from all over the city, inspired Florentines to do great things. The