Travels in Italy: Tuscany – Siena (May 30, 2015)

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Siena, Italy (2015)

Siena, Italy (2015)

Attractions:

  • Piazzo del Campo
    • Palazzo Pubblico
    • Fonte Gaia
  • Duomo
Map of Tuscany (Tuscana) region of Italy (courtesy of Google Images)

Map of Tuscany (Tuscana) region of Italy (courtesy of Google Images)

We stopped briefly at Siena on our way back to Rome. This hillside town is where horse races took place. We entered the town at the Piazza del Campo, where we admired the medieval Palazzo Pubblico’s bell tower and the Fonte Gaia.

Palazzo Pubblico’s bell tower at Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy (2015)

Palazzo Pubblico’s bell tower at Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy (2015)

Palazzo Pubblico, Siena, Italy (2015)

Palazzo Pubblico, Siena, Italy (2015)

We briefly stopped in a café for a latte. Afterwards, we explored the narrow streets. Old buildings lined the street and displayed brightly colored flags with animal symbols; each flag symbolizes the ancient rivalries of the influential families of the town.

Duomo of Siena, Italy (2015)

Duomo of Siena, Italy (2015)

However the greatest treasure of the town is the Duomo (1136-1382). The beautiful black and white-striped marble façade of the cathedral was a breathtaking sight to behold. It is said to house sculptural masterpieces by Nicola Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio.

View of the adjacent tower of the Duomo of Siena

View of the adjacent tower of the Duomo of Siena

Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit the interior and the museum of the Duomo. In the end, we could only admire the handiwork of the cathedral builders and enjoy a gelato while exploring the rest of the streets.

References

Machiavelli, F., Martin, S., Townsend, H., & Tyrrell, N. (Eds.). (2014). Italy. New York, NY: DK Eyewitness Travel.

Italy