ITALY
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A Tuscan hill town, Siena once rivaled Florence in wealth and influence.
The city is renowned for its stunning medieval core, home to some of Italy's most marvelous Gothic monuments.
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The city is perched on three hills, connected by steep cobblestoned roads.
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These roads converge at Piazza del Campo - a sloping plaza that has been Siena's civic heart since the 12th century.
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Rising majestically above the town, it's easily one of Italy's most awe-inspiring churches.
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With its classic Latin-cross layout, grand dome, and candy-stripped bell tower, Siena Cathedral is a testament to the city's cultural zenith.
The interior is equally fascinating, featuring works by medieval and Renaissance artists.
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A tribute from the archbishop of Siena to his maternal uncle, Pope Pius II.
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This vaulted library is beautifully adorned with grotesque-styled frescoes full of bright colors and intricate gold details.
They vividly portray significant moments in Pope Pius II's life.
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A unique cultural center that originates from a 12th-century hospice.
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The museum has a vertical design, sloping down from the cathedral's square to the valley below.
Santa Maria dell Scala displays artifacts excavated in the Sienese territory from various periods, from the Etruscan and Roman ages to the Renaissance.
The pilgrims' hall is adorned with vivid 15th-century frescoes.
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