Lovely Siena

Getting into Siena was another test for Stephanie and Carlo, but we made it - again early, and without too many other "touristers". Most of the popular towns now charge a fortune for the buses to park - I think in Florence it was 500 Euros - and obviously it is a long way from the central area (kept our walking regime going), which is fine, who wants to see Tour buses everywhere - but the price is quite stiff. Siena was definitely another town we were so looking forward to visiting.

Looking back through the gates we had just entered

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This is a stable above!!

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stabling the horses for the "Sienese" Palio - it takes place on July 2nd and August 16th every year. It is a bareback horse race and was first recorded in 1283.

As we approach Piazza Del Campo where the race is held we enter the Contrade of "Lupa" (She Wolf) with a statue (above) noting same. Traditionally the residents of Lupa were bakers .

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There are 17 Contrada (districts) in Siena - there use to be 59. We were told that in this town of around 60,000, every contrada has its own Church, museum, fountain and baptistimal font, motto, anthem, allies and enemies (referred to by the Sienese as "adversaries") We were told they are born, live and die in these contrades.

The Lupa Museum's prize exhibit is a photograph of Giuseppe Garibaldi which he donated to Lupa Contrade after his victory in the Palio di Sienna in 1867.

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The Brig and a Sienese Officer of the Law at the entry

to Piazza del Campo

These 2 little ones were quite content resting in the middle of the Piazza.

We had a coffee at the cafe behind them later in the morning.

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Palazzo Pubblico - this gothic town hall was completed in 1342 at Piazza Del Campo. The bell tower at 102 m (330ft) is the second highest medieval tower ever built in Italy.

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I am still trying to imagine how this Sienese Palio - 90 second "bareback" horse race works - the jockeys represent the 17 contrade districts, the horses are chosen by the drawing of straws, and then blessed at the local contrade churches. The races are preceded by heavy betting and pageantry - flag throwing, medieval knights, and of course the traditional music and drums. There is the photo above of the Town Hall's entrance when we were there.

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****** Font Gaia in Piazza Del Campo

- the reliefs on the fountain depict Adam and Eve, the Madonna and Child and the virtues. Water is fed into it by a 25 km long aqueduct, which has brought fresh water into the city from the hills since the 14th century.

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We wandered from Piazza Del Campo to the Duomo

via another stunning Museum

with outstanding inlaid tiling to Siena's Cathedral

Siena's Duomo (1136-1382) is claimed to be one of the most spectaculor in Italy. and one of the few to have been built south of the Alps in full Gothic style. So much work on the Duomo's facade Inside - the inlaid marble floors were stunning these included some of medieval astrology and alchemy.

After yet another Duomo we took some side lanes

Siena has her Vespas as well and wonderful porcelain art shops

Plus the clothes line skills of the Mammas and Nonnas

- our guide, Stephanie told us that even after 20 years living in Italy, she still cannot master this technicality - her washing still ends up on the ground!!.

A man in gold - I took a photo and this Knight insisted on the Brig taking part. Another Contrade district - the statue of Pantera (Panther) - traditionally the residents were Grocers and Chemists - it has quite a few allies (the Lupa - she-wolf had none) Pantera has won some 25 victorys in the Palio horse race, however rival contrade say people of the panther - "Gravediggers", as Siena's cemetery is located in the district.

ABC - another "beautiful" church, not sure which contrade at this point.

The view on our exit - Carlo would be somewhere around the corner - Siena is a wonderful town - needs more than our half day though to capture it's history and atmosphere - just incredible really.

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Next stop - Santa Margherita - Cinque Terre.