A day out in Siena

Today we went into Siena and had a look around. It's not a big city but the centre is beautiful with lots of medieval buildings and winding streets. The centre square is actually semicircular and strangely dished down towards the old town hall which is now a fine museum. The rooms in the museum are totally covered with frescos dating to the 1400's, and there is a chapel where the choir stalls are each decorated with inlaid marquetry scenes, which appear original. This square is where the famous horse race - the Palio - takes place , but I can't imagine how they do it with the centre packed by crowds for hours. On to the cathedral which is very ornate but magnificent, with amazing scenes imbedded in the floor in coloured marble, and some Michaelangelo statues. We had a late lunch in a small bar/restaurant known to Jacqui and Rob, and stopped afterwards for obligatory icecream.Read more