Siena

We spent a Sunday in Siena. A bit of a longer train ride from Florence, but still easy to visit. The station was located further away, but we decided to hoof it instead of taking the bus. While Florence is nestled in a valley with the Arno River flowing through it, Siena is located on a hill. As we climbed to the top of the hill from the station we saw runners participating in a race.

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Running in Siena
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Siena featured narrow streets and were filled with wonderful retail shops. Numerous folks were out for a stroll and window shopping, similar to us strolling Carytown or visiting Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg.



Narrow street. No cars (or scooters)




Strolling




Gelateria




Colorful ceramics




Sacred artistry




Freshness




Sweets
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Linens




The main cathedral was extremely ornate. We did not have much time and did not pay the admission fee to enter. We were content to admire the outside.



Cathedral




Horse carving




Campanile


The town square or Piazza del Campo (really shaped like a fan) was the gathering spot. Twice in the summer dirt is thrown over the bricks and cobbles and the Palio di Siena or horse race takes place. I can't imagine the crowds or how the horses successfully navigate the course.



Pictures of Palio horses hung on buiildings




Vendor on Piazza del Campo




Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia




Fountain in the Piazza dle Campo




Eating establishments abound




Hanging out in the sun


On this day we only had to contend with a few visitors. We randomly picked an outside eating establishment for lunch called Il Campo. Numerous restaurants lined the public gathering spot. All had outdoor seating and adequate umbrellas to ward off the sun. We enjoyed penne pasta with red sauce and grilled beef steak with roasted potatoes. The house wine was dreadful and the only wine that was barely drinkable while we were in Italy.



Cyclists relaxing




Penne pasta at Il Campo




Grilled beef steak and potatoes




Don't drink this wine




A great location for people watching


After lunch we wandered around some more. I enjoyed seeing more ironwork and we did not see graffiti in the old part of the city.











A lovely visit.