Italy
June 2005 - Tuscany
Capital

Rome

Area

301,230 km²
(7.2x the Netherlands)

Time

UTC +1

Language

Italian, German, French, Slovenian

Highest point

Mont Blanc de Courmayeur - 4,765 m
(2nd summit Mont Blanc mountains)

Flag

The first time a green, white, and red flag was used was by the Cispadane Republic in 1796. The Cispadane Republic in northern Italy was founded in 1796 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Green, white and red are traditional Milanese colors. Red and white come from the Milanese coat of arms which is a red cross on a white background. Green was the color of the uniform of the Milanese civic guard.


Itinerary
currency

The euro was introduced simultaneously in 12 European countries, as well as in Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City on 1 January 2002. This was the largest monetary exchange operation of all time. On the front of the note is a gate or window and a bridge on the back. These are all fictional. The euro replaces the Lire, introduced in 1861, which was known as the least valuable currency in Western Europe.




Highlights

The Citta Della Tufa are located in the southern part of Tuscany. Three villages, Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana are made of tuff. Mount Amiata erupted 40,000 years ago and left large amounts of tuff. The Etruscans carved deep paths through this porous rock (hollow roads). The old section of Pitigliano is built on a rock that narrows towards the end. Sorano is the real jewel of the three villages. When you approach the village from the valley (by foot) the sight of the village on the ridge is magnificent. Sovana is very small but you can also visit Etruscan graves.

The San Quirico and Pienza area is known as the Crete Sienese As far as you can see there are wheat fields, cypresses and farms. A great hike is from San Quirico d'Orcia to Pienza. Lots of tourists in Pienza but worth the effort. Close to the fortified town of Monticchiello is a winding road with many cypresses on either side.

The village of Montalcino that sits atop a lonely hill is famous for its Brunello wine. The name Montalcino comes from the Latin mons Ilcinus (Oak mountain).



The Roman city of Sena Julia was built on an Etruscan settlement. Later, the city on three hills was named Siena. Since 1995, the old city has been on the world heritage list. It has a beautiful old city center which is car-free from the 1950s. The Piazza del Campo square is one of the most beautiful in the world. The pavement was laid in 1347. The Palazzo Pubblico is located at the lower part of the shell-shaped square. It was built in 1287 and the Torre del Mangia in 1325. This tower is named after the whistleblower Giovanni di Duccio who was nicknamed Mangia (the lazy one). From the 88 meter high tower you have a nice view of the Piazza del Campo and Siena. You have to conquer 332 steps for this view. On July 2 and August 16 a famous horse race takes place on the square, the Palio in the honor of Mary. 10 of the 17 historic districts are allowed to participate in the race.

At the highest point of the city is the Cattedrale di Santa maria Assunta. Construction started in 1230 and took 200 years. They wanted to build the cathedral even bigger, but that failed because of financial setbacks. The interior of the cathedral has 26 bicolour columns and a blue ceiling with gold stars. The floor has beautiful mosaics. Opposite the cathedral is the Santissima Annunziata, built in 1252. This church has a huge fresco behind the altar by Sebastiano Conca. Definitely worth a visit.