Things to see and do Toscane

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.

Famous for its wine production in the heart of Chianti Classico, Château Ama became in 2000 - while continuing to produce and sell its wine and oil - a place of residence for contemporary artists. Among others, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Daniel Buren, Giulio Paolini, Anish Kapoor, Chen Zhen and Louise Bourgeois have succeeded each other. Visitors can enjoy a surprising stroll through ultra-modern works that blend in perfectly with nature.

Let us return to the wine part of this property, whose 175-hectare vineyard is located at a high average altitude. The Ama castello is not really a castle, but rather a village at the top of a hill that offers a superb panorama. This world-famous wine estate produces wines typical of the Tuscan terroir, such as its superb single-varietal Merlot, "L'Apparita", named after a small vineyard located just beside the residence. Finesse, straightness, freshness and elegance characterize Ama wines and reconcile amateurs rejected by the sangiovese. During the tasting, we were also impressed by their vino santo, a small masterpiece in the category of sweet Tuscan wines.

Within the estate, there is also a restaurant (Il Ristoro di Ama), located in an 18th century villa. A warm and historic place, perfect for tasting traditional dishes with the flavours of yesteryear, based on vegetables grown in the vegetable garden, and of course accompanied by the estate's wines.

A Gothic building of the 1889 th century, restructured in the th century and completely restored in. Its unique nave and roof roof are worth a visit. Not far from there is the Romanesque parish of San Pietro in Bussola.

To access Porticciolo beach, you have to go south along the coast for about four kilometres, turning left at the exit of Rio Marina. Over a hundred meters long, covered with pebbles, this small beach awaits the summer visitors (be careful, no services or catering). Attended in particular by Italians, it is more crowded on weekends than on weekdays. On the practical side, the car is to be parked at the top of the hill, then descend the 200 meters of altitude difference on foot. The clarity of the water is amazing, and worth the effort!

The kingdom of the golden eagle, the Orrido di Botri nature reserve, created in 1971, covers approximately 2,000 hectares of wilderness. You will discover a breathtaking fauna and flora, but above all the most spectacular canyon in Tuscany! Located on the slopes of the Rondinaio and Tre Potenze mountains, this imposing limestone formation was formed thousands of years ago as a result of the movement of tectonic plates. Its steep walls rise up to 200 metres in height in places, and are now dug by the (very) fresh waters of the Rio Pelago (note that a permit is required to canyon down this river).

From a practical point of view, you will find all the essential information you need to know before embarking on this "water hike", and the details of the different routes, at the Centro di accoglienza dei Carabinieri Forestali, located in Ponte a Gaio (4 kilometres north of Montefegatesi). We advise you to take the SP-56 road to get there; the others are very steep. The Orrido di Botri nature reserve is open from June to September. The excursions leave from Ponte to Gaio, unique access to the gorge, and are guided if you wish (reservation by email required in advance). It is necessary to provide adequate equipment because the rocks are slippery (light shoes are prohibited). Headsets are provided by the reception centre. Access to animals is not allowed.

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 unique, stimulating and interesting interactive museum showcasing Leonardo da Vinci's most important inventions. Visitors can satisfy their curiosity by trying out the mechanisms of the machines designed by Leonardo in his codes, such as the giant tank, the catapult... This well-thought-out interactivity offers a hands-on experience that differs from conventional exhibitions. The museum also features educational laboratories and a well-stocked bookshop.