After two days in Florence we caught a train for a one night stay in nearby Siena. Siena and Florence were rivals in the middle ages - both large and powerful. When Siena learned that Florence was planning a huge cathedral, they changed their plans and started constructing a larger one. A plague came through and cut Siena's population by a third or so, and Siena got stuck in the middle ages as a result while Florence continued to thrive. On the train to Siena I got fined by the train ticket checker - I had not purchased the correct fare. Long story, but they have no sympathy for American tourists -even if they're speaking Italian.
Here's the Cathedral (Duomo) of Siena.
We had lunch on the steps of the Duomo. The sandwiches were huge!
So here's as far as they got building the larger cathedral. The taller wall was going to be the entrance, and the current church would've been transformed into a transept. Now the filled in brick area is a museum and you can climb up some spiraling stairs to the top of the taller wall for an amazing view....
...that looks like this! Siena's main square (il Campo) is quite cool. It surrounds the civic building (the tower). Every year they fill it with dirt and hold a bareback horse race with jockeys from each of Siena's "quarters". I think there are 17 quarters. Anyway they race around the Campo and the winner has bragging rights for the year. The Sienese are very "patriotic" about their quarter of the city - each represented by different flags.
One of my favorite night shots from the trip.
We tied Jessica's camera to the railing and took a picture of ourselves. Turned out well I think.
Unfortunately, it rained and was cloudy while we were in Siena. Here's Jess with the umbrella we were forced to purchase in Florence. She's standing in the Campo. You can see how large it is.
Jess on top of the unfinished Duomo wall.
Here's a video from the top as well. Enjoy!
1 comment:
What a fun trip! You guys are too cute.
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