Alberto Angela points out how realistic Giotto's frescoes are compared to earlier ones. He also mentions the important fact that Saint Francis composed one of the first poems in the vernacular

We move from the lower basilica to the upper one, which has an entirely different feel to it. Here, we are surrounded by a show of light and color in colorful frescoes and stained-glass windows.

What did Saint Francis look like? There are clues in a fresco in the lower basilica of the church dedicated to him in Assisi.

People often wonder how the Basilica of St. Francis could be as imposing and rich as it is, when the saint to whom it is dedicated had taken an oath of poverty. Alberto Angela explains this and other contradictions.

This episode will take us to Umbria. We start with one of the most beautiful cities in the region, Assisi, a city that's practically synonymous with the Franciscan monastic order and its founder, Saint Francis.

Franco shows us some infused salts that we would never think of off hand. His descriptions are colorful and make us want to try out these delicacies.

Two geniuses left their indelible marks on civilization: Leonardo with the Last Supper and Michelangelo with his David.

This fascinating segment is all about salt: Our spice journey takes us to Sicily, where much of Italy's salt is harvested. Franco talks about how salt is life, salt is gold.

We look at Leonardo's Last Supper from close up — the details, the symbolism — but also from the refectory floor, seeing how Leonardo's genius made the fresco part of the room itself.

This video focuses on one of the most famous artists of all time, Leonardo da Vinci. In particular, we start looking at one of his greatest masterpieces, the Last Supper.

Franco Calafatti knows a great deal about spices but he also loves to experiment. The star of this segment is cinnamon.

The Republic of Siena ends in the 16th century and power goes to Florence, where we go next, to see some of the architectural wonders there.

Franco is crazy about spices. He draws us into his world, the world of the 7 (not just 5) senses. In his stream of consciousness style, he prepares us for traveling the four corners of the earth to discover all the tastes and fragrances awaiting us.

Alberto Angela shows us a volume from 1554 that bears witness to one of the most dramatic moments in Sienese history. We then go on to the beautiful city of Pienza.

How could accounting books be so fascinating? The ones from the State Archives in Siena are veritable works of art and tell some interesting stories.