Photos: Massimo Catarinella, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Livioandronico2013, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ввласенко, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Massimo Catarinella, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Livioandronico2013, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ввласенко, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Fonte Gaia, copies protecting the originals
Your local guide
Francesca Piccolomini
View profile
Highlights
- Carvings that are careful copies
- Originals protected, kept elsewhere
- A fountain at the square's highest point
- Conservation explained plainly
- Detail worth more than a passing glance
About this tour
This session studies Fonte Gaia, the ornate fountain at the top of Piazza del Campo. You see its carved marble panels up close, explained as careful copies protecting fragile originals kept elsewhere, and the full basin set against the square's slope. The camera moves between detail and the fountain's wider setting.
We spend time explaining the difference between the copies and the originals, since that distinction is often missed. I describe the fountain's position at the highest point of the square as we step back, and take questions throughout.
It suits anyone with an interest in sculpture conservation and public monuments. It pairs well with the wider Piazza del Campo session.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Siena before heading out.
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Fountain panels 15 min
The camera studies the fountain's carved marble panels, and I explain that these are careful copies, the fragile originals kept elsewhere for protection.
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Basin and setting 15 min
Stepping back, you see the fountain's full basin against the slope of Piazza del Campo, positioned at the highest point of the square.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Siena: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Cinta Senese salumi (heritage pork cured meats) and Terzo di San Martino, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Rome time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Siena, showing you Fountain panels and Basin and setting live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need any background in art?
No. The guide explains what matters as you go, whatever you already know or do not.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Siena live with my phone.
Times shown in Rome time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Sat 19 Dec · 8 seats left From 19,00 €
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