Streets squares and districts to visit Italy

Sarzana's main square had been involved in work for centuries (th-century) to achieve its current aspect. It is surrounded by a series of elegant palaces dating from the th to the th century. 

A small Renaissance trapezoidal square on the highest point of the hill, as if to crown the city. It is one of the first examples of a square designed as a work of art. Most of the buildings were erected in record time by the Florentine architect Bernardo Rossellino, influenced by Piero della Francesca's painting of Urbino, the ideal city. Facing the Piccolomini Palace, the well with its elaborate architrave bears the family's coat of arms. Behind the cathedral, the pleasant walk of the ramparts offers a beautiful view of the Orcia valley.

Historic centre of Siena, home of life and reference point whatever your itinerary, the "Campo" as the Sienese call it offers an extraordinary perspective. This famous square, one of the most beautiful in Italy, was built in 1293 according to an original design in the shape of an inverted shell that follows the natural shape of the land, divided into nine parts (symbol of the Council of Nine who watched over the city in the 13th and 14th centuries). It was here, over the centuries, that great speeches were proclaimed to the people, that clashes tore the city apart, that Saint Bernardine (1380-1444) preached and stigmatized the frivolity of Sienese women.

During the famous Palio, the red brick paving of the square is covered with sand and becomes a frantic race ground for raw horses.

In the centre, the Fonte Gaia fountain collects the spring water that flows down the slopes of the surrounding hills. Dating from the 15th century, it is the work of the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. The marble ornaments depict the Creation of Adam, a Virgin and Child, the Virtues and Adam and Eve driven from Paradise (the originals are in the Palazzo Pubblico).

Around it are the Sansedoni Palace (13th century), the Elci degli Alessi Palace (16th century), the Town Hall (Palazzo Pubblico) built between 1284 and 1310, and its 102-metre medieval tower, one of the highest in Italy. All offer their superb facades, reflecting the power of the public and private city, and forming a harmonious monumental ensemble of rare beauty.

A place like nowhere else. One of the most impressive in Tuscany. It owes its name to the Roman amphitheatre that was there in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, which could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, whose ruins, about three metres deep, served as a base for the new buildings. Also known as Piazza del Mercato, it is surrounded by medieval buildings that have passed through time without difficulty in the enclosure of an almost perfect oval. A blond ochre light floods it during the day.