Have you ever noticed how many romantic comedy movies have been filmed in Italy? Most recently there was “When In Rome,” and in years past there have been numerous others including “Only You,” “Under the Tuscan Sun” and of course the 1953 classic “Roman Holiday” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
There’s no question as to why the landscape of Italy makes for a popular movie set. Italy is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic and alluring countries in the world. Naturally, it is the perfect setting for romance.
One of the most romantic cities in all of Italy is surely Siena, which is located in Tuscany. Siena is a gorgeous town with a historic center that has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site. It is very famous for its amazing Medieval architecture, including the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, or town square.
This area houses the Palazzo Pubblico, a magnificent example of Italian Medieval architecture and home to an important art museum. Here you’ll also find the Torre del Mangia, which is famous for hosting the Palio horse race. “Amore” is in the air in the town square! But perhaps the most romantic attraction in the whole city of Siena is its fountains.
Siena’s fountains, called “le fonti,” are charming gems that dot the city in a variety of shapes and sizes. As Siena had no nearby fresh water source, a complex series of aqueducts and irrigation systems were built in and around it from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period.
Many fountains were built on what was once the outskirts of Siena. They served a variety of uses from cooking to drinking and agricultural use. These fountains became the gateways to the city, and the city’s fountains were highly protected and cherished.
One of the most impressive fountains you’ll find in Siena is the Fonte Gaia. It is said to be the “queen of Sienese fountains.” It is located in the Piazza del Campo and is known as a great work of art.
The panels of the fountain, which were completed by Jacopo della Quercia between 1409 and 1419, are considered to be fine examples of Italian sculpture. Today, the fountain is one of the city’s most famous and adored meeting spots.
The oldest fountain, and what many people consider to be the most impressive, is the Fontebrande. This fountain is famed because, aside from its amazing architecture, it was cited by Dante in Cante 30 of “The Inferno.” Deluxe Kosher Tours is visiting Siena in August, which is the perfect time because Fontebrande is the site for many wonderful outdoor concerts and performances throughout the summer.
Among the other fountains you’ll find in Siena are the Fonte d’Ovile, which was built in 1260; the Fonte del Casato, which is known as Siena’s hidden fountain; and the Fonte Nuova d’Ovile, with its striking Gothic arches. Each fountain has something distinct to offer and helps to make Siena a truly beautiful and romantic destination.
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