Pienza, Montepulciano, and the Amazing Mr. Mazzetti....

Our first day trip took us to the beautiful village of Pienza, just a few miles from Monticchiello.  Pienza is on the tourist map, but for good reason, it is so charming.  The old part of the village is pedestrian only, and the main street - Corso il Rossellino - is lined with exclusive stores.  These include several cheese shops, selling the famous pecorino di Pienza.

View of Pienza approaching from Monticchiello....

The main Corso....

You can almost smell the cheese....

The via del Amore....

After Pienza we drove on to Montepulciano, about 10 miles away.  We wandered up the winding streets, heading toward the highest part of town.  Along the way we happened to see an open copper shop.  The proprietor, Mr. Mazzetti, invited us in, and what an experience that turned out to be!  What a lovely man.  He is quite famous for his copper work....among many other great achievements, he created the orb and cross that is on top of the Duomo in Siena, and has presented various Popes with copper gifts.  He spent at least an hour with us, demonstrating his craft, and even made a souvenir for us.  Of course, we stopped by the Mazzetti sales shop on the street below and purchased treasures to take home....

Mr. Mazzetti with Mike and Lori...

Mr. Mazzetti with Gary and Jill...


Mike got his bell rung...

Some Mazzetti designs...

A great old anvil...

Working on our souvenir disc...

Mr. Mazzetti's sign...

The entrance to his 'museum"....

Mike in front of the Mazzetti Copper Shop...


Two of our favorite things....Karen and Diego's olive oil and Mr. Mazzetti's copper pitcher to pour it....

Our next stop was Siena, with it's spectacular Duomo and wide open Piazza di Campo.  Of course, we had to check out Mr. Mazzetti's golden orb on the Duomo!

Mr. Mazzetti's golden orb...


The front of the Duomo in Siena...

Inside of the Duomo....




The Piazza di Campo...we had lunch at one of the restaurants on the far side...

So, it turns out you CAN rent a villa in Tuscany, and the experience might even exceed your wildest Tuscan dreams....

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