Another glorious day weather-wise.
Although Gail and I had been to Siena on a previous occasion Cath and Ian Smith had never seen this impressive city so we set off mid-morning for the shortish drive south.
Parking is always notoriously difficult and the problem was aggravated this time by a home football match for Siena who had just gained promotion to Seria A. We eventually find free parking below the walls of this fortified city and walk up the hill to the centre, stopping on the way to visit the Chiesa di San Domenico. Many people make the pilgrimage to this church as it contains the somewhat macabre mummified head and thumb of Santa Caterina, the patron saint of Rome, Italy and Europe.
The hypocrisy of the church never ceases to amaze me as all the women entering the building have to cover their shoulders only to be confronted by 3 nude statues in one of the chapels.
Next stop is the truly awesome Duomo with its superb facia, marble pillars and floor inlays and frescoes.
Finally, the piece de resistance, the Piazza del Campo, home of the twice-yearly Il Palio horse race. This square remains one the great sights and we are able to find a pizza bar in a side street with a glimpse of the Palazzo in the piazza. A lunch-time venue to remember.
More strolling around the laneways and streets of Siena, tucking into Gelati and arriving back at the car satisfied with our few hours in this great city.
Lovely evening meal of Lasagna prepared by Brenda Field and Di Wilson with help from Frances, Mick, George and Doug.
Consumption of probably more wine than was good for us but a fine time was had by all.
The Obese Ferret
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