On the road the next morning for Siena we stopped at Monteriggioni, a medieval hilltop village still surrounded by a fully intact fortified wall. Signs of the village’s age abound and can be seen in architectural features such as the single stone lintels. Over a doorway we found a dedication stone “Upon this sign, Peace and Goodwill, 1216”.
Once a farm-focused community it is now almost totally tourist oriented. A yearly medieval festival early in July is extremely popular with local and foreign visitors.
Following the back roads through typical Tuscan countryside patch-worked in stripes of cropped hay and pencil pines and polka-dotted with olive groves we came to the walls of Siena. After an unexpected detour we eventually discovered our hotel and, once parked and unpacked, took off to explore.
The city sits high above its surroundings and the hotel was just outside the walls,almost directly cross the road from the five flights of escalators that take you effortlessly into the ancient city site. Investigating the piazza we discovered not a church but part of the university in Siena. The old cloister is now a space for students to gather with examples of early building ornamentation adorning the walls.
Following the back roads through typical Tuscan countryside patch-worked in stripes of cropped hay and pencil pines and polka-dotted with olive groves we came to the walls of Siena. After an unexpected detour we eventually discovered our hotel and, once parked and unpacked, took off to explore.
The city sits high above its surroundings and the hotel was just outside the walls,almost directly cross the road from the five flights of escalators that take you effortlessly into the ancient city site. Investigating the piazza we discovered not a church but part of the university in Siena. The old cloister is now a space for students to gather with examples of early building ornamentation adorning the walls.
A quick bite of divine ‘panzanella’ salad for lunch and then we followed signs on the walls of buildings to reach the campo. Through an arch and down a short flight of steps the site of the famous Siena ‘Palio’ was revealed. The campo is huge and horizontally bowl shaped. The thought of horses pounding around the tight corners at a gallop is frightening. The whole scene is dominated by the campanile towering above.
The magnificent Duomo of Siena, with only a short queue in the direct sun was worth the burn and the wait. Exquisite! Just to the left of the church interior was a small shop and further along the Picolomini Library where large original manuscripts lie open in upright glass cases showing off the superbly illuminated pages. The patience, the time, the talent. Then we noticed the walls and the ceilings. This place is beauty.
Afterwards we sat outside on a marble ledge, leaning against the church walls to recover. What a place!
With food and liquid once again a priority we found a nearby cafe ‘Roxy Bar’ and had frappes, water (with mineral salts) and chippies. Caitlin really wanted to see the medieval fortress showing on the map – Fortezza Medicea – a long walk across town past wonderful side streets with awesome views. The fort is now home to an enoteca (wine shop and bar), open air cinema and the Siena Jazz Association.
With desperation setting in we made for the hotel only to realise that Caitlin’s new leather bracelets purchased in Monteriggioni, were left in the bathroom of the Roxy. A rescue mission was mounted – abandoning bags and grandmother for a fast return to the cafe. Mission accomplished and prize reclaimed, we all but crawled back to the hotel.
With food and liquid once again a priority we found a nearby cafe ‘Roxy Bar’ and had frappes, water (with mineral salts) and chippies. Caitlin really wanted to see the medieval fortress showing on the map – Fortezza Medicea – a long walk across town past wonderful side streets with awesome views. The fort is now home to an enoteca (wine shop and bar), open air cinema and the Siena Jazz Association.
With desperation setting in we made for the hotel only to realise that Caitlin’s new leather bracelets purchased in Monteriggioni, were left in the bathroom of the Roxy. A rescue mission was mounted – abandoning bags and grandmother for a fast return to the cafe. Mission accomplished and prize reclaimed, we all but crawled back to the hotel.
After a wash and brush up, we could only make it as far as downstairs for dinner. The Menu di Giorno at €20 a head was the obvious choice along with a bottle of Prosseco.
Fell upstairs and into bed with the air con rattling by 10.30.
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