Our first full day in Italy covered Siena –  Siena is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city’s 17 historic “contrade” (districts) extend outward from the piazza. Siena Cathedral is a medieval church  dedicated from its earliest days as a Roman Catholic Marian church, and now dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

From Siena we headed to Montariggioni –  Monteriggioni is a walled town in Tuscany, Italy, known for its medieval fortifications and watchtowers. The castle walls offer views of the surrounding Chianti region.