We spent just under 3 weeks at our next workaway near Moiano, in central Italy. It's on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. This is the heartland of the Renaissance but has been home to people dating back to the Etruscans in the 4th century BC. A nearby city of Chiusi has a network of catacombs and wells tunneled underneath the city that date from this era. This is what this part of the world is like. There is a village every 5 kms and everyone has some amazing claim. Whether it is a fresco by a famous artist in a church or a tomb dating back 2,500 years. We spent our time going to both the well known and lesser known ones.
These towns are just made for exploring. Most are small and perched on a hill top with a myriad of alleys, arches and tunnels. There is always a church around the corner (probably covered in marble) and a stunning view over the countryside. Gelato stores are also common.
Highlights were Montipulciano and Della Pieve (hill-top position and arches everywhere), Assisi (for the frescos and tombs), the Brunello (wine) from Montecino and Arezzo (just a nice city).
Lowlights was Siena. It could have been the weather but I blame the Americans (which are everywhere in Tuscany).
Time flew in between a little bit of work and exploring the area. We were also staying as part of an estate so had to make use of the tennis court and swimming pool. Next up is a more relaxed approach with 3 weeks to explore a few more parts of Italy.
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