A Tuscan Rose - Siena

After bunking at the Camping Coleverde campground in Siena last night, we headed into the town of Siena this morning.

Dave the master chef

Our wonderful creation

Siena is another medieval walled city, although it differs compared with the other cities we have seen in that after the outer walls the terrain actually descends down into the city and then climbs again to the central summit at the Duomo ( yes every Italian city must have one).

I had just finished reading a book called Juliet, which was an alternate version of Romeo and Juliet based in Siena (rather than Verona) with the feud taking place between 2 Sienese families – the Tolemeis and the Salembini’s. SO on our way into the town centre we paid a visit to both families Piazzas.

Piazza Salambini

Piazza Tolemei (Julietś crew)

Continuing deeper into the city we arrived at the Piazza del Campo, the lowest part of the city and place made famous by Siena’s Palio – the crazy bare backed horse race where the only rules are, there are no rules. Many riders are injured or have been killed (due to either dangerous riding or murder) in the Palio. It is a very great honour for the family to win the Sencio (the winners flag/banner). During our visit as the Palio was coming up later in August all of the family districts were displaying their flags in the streets corresponding to their areas making the place look very festive.

Dave at the enterance to the Campo

The Campo

WE admired the Palazzo Publico before making our way back up the hill to the Duomo, a beautiful Cathedral, also decorated with the flags of the Palio (NB this cathedral was also in the Italian green, red and white – see Florence entry for comment). The family’s emblems also featured on the church’s floors. The sacristy (room where the priests get dressed) displayed the large decorated monk hymn books which were very beautiful.

Palazzo Publico

Another gorgeously striped cathedral!

This one was striped inside and out, and decorated with the falgs of the Palio

Animal mascots of the houses of Siena

Me being all demure in the church

The Duomo from the outer walls

Siena

St Catherine also came from Siena – of Catherine aka Cart Wheel fame (she was martyred on a “Catherine Wheel”)also came from Siena. Her relics, head and thumb, we visited at the Chiesa di San Domenico.

We left the old town and had some lunch before driving 200km to Roma, Staying at Camping Tiber. Here we once again saw some of the local ladies working the streets of Prima Porta (area to the north of Rome where we stayed).  We made a dinner of home-made risotto- not bad for our first ever attempt!