Better known as the “Red Church”, the Church of St. Simon and Helena was built in 1910 by a Polish noble to commemorate the death of his two children – the tower’s three bells are named after him and the dead children.

Two kilometres from the town of Cuneo, Sanctuary Madonna della Riva rises 530 metres above sea level. A number of processions from different areas have taken place in the sanctuary. The painting of Madonna and Child with Saint Francis is one example of the priceless treasures that the sanctuary keeps.

Florence wasn’t just the Medici’s playground—the Strozzi family had their own share of power, and this palace was built to prove it. Filippo Strozzi the Elder commissioned it to show up the Medici and make a statement about his family’s status. These days, the Renaissance palace hosts rotating international art exhibitions and cultural events, and it’s one of the city’s top spots for contemporary shows in a historic setting.

Siena still runs on medieval time—in the best way. Its centre hasn’t changed much in centuries, and that’s part of the charm. The Piazza del Campo is the heart of it all—it’s where the Palio horse race happens twice a year. Climb the Torre del Mangia for wide views across the rooftops. The cathedral’s worth the time, especially its black-and-white striped interior, detailed floor mosaics (open seasonally), and the Piccolomini Library tucked inside. Don’t skip the crypt or the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo—they’re quieter and give you a different angle on the city.