Hill Towns of Tuscany

Uncategorized 2 Minutes

Siena

Duomo – This 13th century Gothic cathedral, with it’s striped bell tower – Siena’s ultimate tribute to the Virgin Mary – is heaped with statues, plastered with frescoes, and paved with art.
We went on a guided tour up to the rafters of the Duomo. While ducking our heads, we peered through opened stain glass windows for a bird’s eye view of the cathedral below.
And we walked along the roof top. Very cool!!!
Back inside and almost level with the dome, it was a real “high” to be this close to the top.We’re usually on the floor looking straight above our heads.
Siena’s 17 historic neighborhoods, or contrade – each with a parish church, well or fountain, and square – still play a active role in the life of the city. Each is represented by a mascot (porcupine, unicorn, wolf, etc) and unique colors worn proudly by residents. When we heard the thunder of distant drumming we ran to see the action. This contrade,celebrating a holiday, honoring the Virgin Mary.
With many neighborhood residents, wearing their contrade scarves, following the parade. As we walked around the town that evening we saw many long tables set up in different squares. Adults and children alike eating and laughing – clearly enjoying their neighbors and this holiday.
A fine picture of Siena’s city hall complete with tower. This tower was built around 1340. At 330 feet, it’s one of Italy’s tallest secular towers. Medieval Siena was a proud republic, and this tower stands like an exclamation point – an architectural declaration of independence from papacy and empire.
This is a fun shot of the tower’s shadow in the main square or campo. We were at the top of the tower when Murph took this picture.
George and me at the Fountain of Joy (Fonte Gaia). The joy is all about how the Sienese republic blessed it’s people with water.
And the pigeons too, I guess 😉
ll Campo (officially the Piazza del Campo) – First laid out in the 12th century is the only square we’ve ever seen where people stretch out as if at the beach. Pretty nice view I’d say!
Mary, George and me at the Campo on our evening stroll.
Even their street lights are contrade themed. Very beautiful sight while walking along, as they are all in different colors to match the specific contrade (neighborhood) in which they hang.
Unknown's avatar

Published by murphys836

Published

10 thoughts on “Hill Towns of Tuscany”

  1. Such an amazing place! I love the shadow photo. When I was 19 I travelled around Italy with a girlfriend,and when we came to Siena we had enough money either for a room, or a meal. We had a delicious meal in the piazza, then spent the night in our sleeping bags on the newly laid marble floor of the station concourse, next to the ticket office, where the night duty officer kept an eye out for us and woke us up next morning when the commuters started to arrive. Fond memories of a friendly town! 😊

    Like

    Reply

      1. Not sure why I didn’t see many of comments I had posted previously. Jus figured out it must be messed up with user name. Anyway, love all pictures you have posted and enjoy rest if your travel!

        Like

Leave a reply to Casey Murphy Cancel reply