Photos: Livioandronico2013, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Massimo Catarinella, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Krzysztof Popławski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Livioandronico2013, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Massimo Catarinella, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Krzysztof Popławski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Black and white marble, a colour with meaning
Your local guide
Simone Landucci
View profile
Highlights
- Marble stripes with real meaning
- A pattern carried from outside to in
- Colours drawn from the city's own heraldry
- Symbolism read straight off the stone
- A cathedral studied through its colour
About this tour
This session studies Siena Cathedral through its black and white marble stripes rather than its general history. You see the pattern across the exterior facade, and the same stripes continuing through the interior columns near the entrance. The camera stays close on the marble throughout.
We spend time explaining what the colours represent in Siena's own symbolism, since the choice was deliberate rather than decorative alone. I trace the pattern from outside to just inside the door, and take questions throughout.
It suits anyone with an interest in medieval symbolism and colour. It also pairs well with the session on the cathedral's abandoned extension.
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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Striped facade 21 min
The camera studies the cathedral's alternating black and white marble stripes, and I explain what the colours represent in the city's own heraldry.
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Interior stripes 21 min
Stepping just inside the entrance, you see the same striped pattern continuing through the columns, tying the exterior and interior together visually.
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Your questions 9 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 4 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Pici cacio e pepe (hand-rolled pasta) 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 10 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 Striped facade and Interior stripes 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: Tue 27 Oct · 10 seats left From 23,00 €
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