Siena

Siena's golden age began when it established itself as a serious rival to Florence in the late Middle Ages, a period in which the city - at the peak of its historic-economic evolution - grew into its current form. In the space of a few decades, the incredible Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo Pubblico) and its soaring Torre del Mangia, thought one of the oldest and tallest towers in Italy, were erected, while the beautiful Piazza del Campo's unmistakeable seashell shape was lined with travertine. The piazza is known throughout the world for the fact that twice a year it becomes the hippodrome for the Palio delle Contrade: for these occasions, the ground is covered with tufo powder to help the racehorses grip.

Finally, work on the cathedral began, which the Sienese actually intended to make bigger: the expansion plans were eventually shelved when the Black Death convulsed the city in 1348, but the intention is still visible today in Piazza Jacopo della Quercia, where the columns that would have propped up the new nave and façade can be seen.

Some of Tuscany's most beautiful areas lie immediately around Siena. Just think of San Gimignano, which is an easy bus ride away: the city whose towers have earned it the name of the "medieval Manhattan".

You should not miss a visit to the castle of Monteriggioni, which Dante described in his Divine Comedy. In Inferno 31, the great poet compares the outlines of the giants in the ninth circle of Hell to the circuit of walls that surrounds this Tuscan town: "però che come su la cerchia tonda / Montereggion di torri si corona, / così la proda che 'l pozzo circonda" (for as Monteriggioni's round wall is crowned with towers, so they [the giants] towered here above the bank that runs around the ditch).

Buonconvento is an agricultural centre that emerged in the thirteenth century along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that conducted and conducts pilgrims to Rome from western Europe.

Finally, we recommend a trip around Asciano, which is characterised by the hills and ravines that make up the "lunar" landscape of the Crete Senesi. The colour of this area varies from blue to grey, thanks to the presence of clay mixed with halite and chalk. Among these undulating hills grows the precious white truffle, which has its own museum and an annual festival.

Twice a year the celebrated Palio di Siena takes place, a mysterious and spectacular tradition that has survived the centuries. The Palio is a horse race run in Piazza del Campo, the absolute heart of the historic centre, contested by the city's districts.

In December the same piazza is given over to the Mercato del Campo, while the complex of Santa Maria della Scala (one of the first ever hospitals in Europe) organises exhibitions and displays that pique the interest of Italians and foreign visitors alike.

This ancient city, which goes back to Etruscan times, has so many traditions, and among them we cannot forget its cuisine: Siena, in fact, boasts the largest and tastiest menu of sweet foods in all Tuscany. Ricciarelli, panforte, pan pepato, budini di riso, cavallucci and copate all must be tried. As must pici, a type of thick, handmade fresh pasta, pecorino cheese and Cinta Senese sausage.