ABOUT THE BACKGROUND IMAGE:

This stunning view captures the historic city of Siena, Italy, with the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) dominating the skyline. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, famous for its striped marble façade and intricate mosaic floors. Siena itself was a powerful and wealthy city-state during the Middle Ages, often in fierce rivalry with nearby Florence. Today, its perfectly preserved medieval character, winding alleys, and the world-famous Palio horse race make it a living time capsule of Italian heritage.