We left Florence for a day trip to Siena, 90 minutes southwest by train.
Florence, Siena and Pisa have been rivals for centuries. When Florence built its Duomo, Siena decided it needed to go one better. I am not judging, but the competition is a fair one.
Time was tight, so we decided not to go inside the cathedral. I saw photos of the interior afterward.
We made a mistake.
Central Siena has long had seventeen contratas (something like neighborhoods or districts). Each is represented by a colorful banner. Twice a year, in July and August, the outside ring of the Campo (central field) is covered with sand and horses representing ten contratas race in the Palio.
The winners' banners are flown everywhere, even in the losing contratas. This one won in July.
Looking down and across the Campo to the municipal building.
The Campo.
Coffee break at an amazing pastry shop.
Pigeons everywhere love sitting on the heads of statues.
It looks beautiful, Jack! You can't see everything so you will make up for the interior somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteThe pigeon on the lion who is "spitting" fountain-style made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeleteI've only spent time in Rome, so I need to branch out on my next visit to Italy. Beautiful photos and the last one is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteSome fine city scenes here.
ReplyDeleteYou are visiting all my favorite Italian cities! I have a picture of that same dog (last photo) sans the pigeon. The pigeon makes it!
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