Siena

Siena is a much larger city than Certaldo or San Gimignano, but it is also very beautiful.

Upon arrival, we were presented with this beautiful statue by the same artist who created the memorial in Florence. Although our focus has been on bygone ages, there are elements of contempory art tucked here and there.

A fountain is in the center.

The square is divided into slices like a pie. The grade makes it a natural amphitheatre.

In the center of Siena is an amazing square. Once a year they have a horse race around the perimeter. First, they fill the passageway with sand. Th(with a rider e riders are bareback and some of the corners are quite extreme. Riders often fall off, but the winner is the horse (with a rider or without).

The fountain at the back of the square has potable water.

The city hall. I couldn't get the tower in the picture.

So here is the tower.

Thiin the archs is now a restaurant, but the piantings inthe arch are amazing.

In mythology, Siena was was founded by Remus (of Romulus and Remus). Here we have a statue of the she-wolf that raised Romulus and Remus (The Founders of Rome).

During the Black Plague (which lasted 10 Years), something like seventy percent of the population died. It struck during the construction of this church. The longest section of the church had just begun, and it was abandoned. This facade was later added to one end of the transcept, resulting in a much smaller church.

For lunch. we stopped at a winery for a tasting and and an amazing three course meal. We atarted with a sparkling wine, which we tasted, but did not finish. Our plate contained sliced meats, salad and cheese. The host added olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar was an amazing twenty eight year old vintage. Next we had a wild boar ragu which knocked our socks off. It was paired with a red wine with a cherry aroma. This became Deb's favourite and she drank a few glasses. The third course was an absolutely amazing steak served with potatoes and a spinach salad. It was paired with a muchdeeper richer red wine which became my favourite. I had too much. This was the most amazing meal the we have had in Ital, incredibly memorable. Before we left, I purchased a bottle of Deb's wibne, a bottle of my wine, and a a bottle of aged balsamic vinegar. I am sure we will have no difficulty drinking the wine, but the balasmic vinegar will go home.