Here are just a few snapshots from around Castiglion Fiorentino:

Castiglion Fiorentino began as a walled city fortress. Each hilltop town had two entrances: the Porta Romana and the Porta Firenze. This is just outside the Porta Romana.

This alcove is near the Porta Firenze.

Since Castiglion Fiorentino is a hilltop town, the streets are very steep. This climb is one we make at least once a day!

There are several churches, or chiesas, in CF. This is a lunette above San Francesco.

This is the school's courtyard. Some parts of the building date back to the 1500's. It used to be an orphanage and convent during the 1920's.

This is the view of the Tuscan hillside from our courtyard.

Sta. Chiara is located next to a piazza and a church called Sta. Collegiata. This is a view from the portico of Sta. Collegiata looking down Via S. Guiliano, the street where Sta. Chiara is located.

Outside of the city walls is a flower shop. I was amazed that the flowers were still blooming and fresh, but it doesn't really get below freezing here.

Even though it doesn't get below freezing, it can be very windy and cold. After traipsing around CF one afternoon, we stopped in a bar and had a 'cioccolata calda.' It is like a hot chocolate, but it is so rich and creamy you have to eat it with a spoon!

My two roommates, Amy and Emily, and I at the Bar delle Mura.

The city was begun by the Etruscans and they started the fortification by building a tower and high walls. This is the highest point in town and gives a good view of the Val Di Chiana or Valley of Chiana.

The tower as it stands today.

View of Sta Collegiata standing at the front doors of Sta. Chiara.