Sumptuous Siena: A Virtual Live Talk and Walk

**LIVE FROM THE STREET** 

Join Tuscany expert Elizabeth Namack for a virtual presentation via Zoom to explore Florence’s southern neighbor, Siena. Elizabeth will be joined by special guest and local expert Elena Sardelli for a LIVE walk around the town. Stroll along the quaint alleys and learn more about the impressive buildings and the importance of this city in the 13^th and 14^th centuries.

Siena is a must-see jewel in the crown of Tuscany, combining beauty with a fascination history.  Wandering the narrow streets of Siena and stepping into the breathtaking piazzas is a wonderful experience.  Work on Il Duomo commenced in the 1100s, with intentions to construct the largest Cathedral in the world.  Contemporaneously, at a crossroads between three nearby villages, was a marketplace where today is the splendid Piazza del Campo, its iconic fishbone paving laid in 1349. On one side, the shell-shaped square is lined with Palazzi Signorili. The lower edge has the iconic Palazzo Pubblico (town hall) and towering Torre del Mangia, built the same height as the Cathedral to symbolize parity between church and state. It is here where Siena’s famous Palio horse race takes, dividing the city into fiercely rivaled ‘contrade’.

Siena was already populated during Etruscan times. The Romans (among others) eventually took over, however it was under the Lombards that Siena flourished. Despite some fluctuations (mostly due to plagues and war), Siena quickly grew into a powerful and wealthy city. The Republic of Siena was established in the late 1000s and endured 400 years until being defeated by the Duchy of Florence and the Spaniards. Siena surrendered only to King Felipe II, who anyway handed the city to Florence, which ruled until Italian unification in the 1860s. Throughout all, Siena became a great cultural hub.

Given that entry is not currently permitted in many buildings at the time of day of our visit, we will discover virtually some of the artistic treasures housed inside.

This is event is free of charge, however donations are happily accepted. The virtual presentation will last about 1 hour with time at the end for questions and answers.

I look forward to seeing you as we step back in time to discuss Medieval art and architecture!

Join Elizabeth on Zoom at the following times:

• 6:00 PM Italian Time
• 12:00 PM US Eastern Time
• 11:00 AM US Central Time
• 10:00 AM US Mountain Time
• 9:00 AM US Pacific Time