Our Siena Highlights "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - Saint Augustine
Piazza del Campo
This square is the center of town activity. While it is busy every day, the square becomes the entire area's focus during the famous Palio Horse Race. The tradition of a horse race in the town square has existed for nearly 350 years. Each neighborhood (Contrande) enters a horse and rider to run on its behalf. Similar to the Kentucky Derby, there is much pomp and circumstance in the form of costumes, colors and flags. It is a day-long celebration that attracts 60,000 spectators for a race that involves 10 horses and lasts less than two minutes.
Palazzo Pubblico & Torre del Mangia
Perhaps Siena's main appeal is the preservation of its medieval appearance. The Palazzo Pubblico (left), which dates back to ca 1297, serves as the town hall and examplifies the town's heritage. Adjacent to the building is the Torre del Mangia built from 1325-48. Climbing the tower offers wonderful views. The tower's height was intended to show the town's independence from the church.
Ideas for Our Next Visit
See the Duomo's interior
Climb the Torre del Mangia
Visit the Santa Maria della Scala Museum
Duomo
Although there have been many additions, the main part of Siena's Duomo was built from 1215-1263. It is impressive from the outside and must be impressive on the inside based on the long line of people waiting to get in.
Basilica San Domenico
No pictures allowed, but worth mentioning: This church was built by the Dominicans in 1226. St. Catherine was a parishioner here. What amazed us the most was the fact that the church contains two most unusual relics of St. Catherine - her waxed-over head and finger. While most of St. Catherine's remains are in Rome, the desire to bring part of her back was so great that her head and finger were detached and returned to her home town. It is also said that a foot serves as a relic in third location and a rib is in a fourth spot. This desire for relics is consistent with St. Mark's remains being brought from Egypt to Venice. It demonstrates the hopes of medieval people that having relics in town creates a form of protection and status.
Surprises/Helpful Hints
Surprise: The Palio horse race as described in the above section on the Piazza del Campo
Hint: Get to the Duomo early in order to avoid long lines.
For What It's Worth
"A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for." – Gael Attal