Toscana - Siena

Last weekend Nate, Landon and I headed to Tuscany, or more specifically, the province of Siena in Tuscany. We ended up checking out three hill towns while we were there- Siena (the city), San Gimignano, and Montepulciano. For the sake of this blog, I've decided to do this trip in three parts, by city. First up, Siena!

Friday we arrived in Siena after an easy 4 hour drive (not including our stop for lunch at yet another delicious "gas station"). After turning off the main freeway and on to the smaller freeway we got our first taste of driving in the Tuscan countryside. It truly is amazing. As green and beautiful as seen in pictures and immediately makes you take a deep breath in and relax.

Once we arrived in Siena and checked into our hotel we headed right to Siena's Old Town. Each time we walked into town we go to pass under this cool, old, medieval wall bordering Old Siena:

The cool thing about Siena is the blend of new and old. Siena is a very hip, happening town (thanks to local universities), but all happening in the midst of old medieval buildings. Nate and I loved this juxtaposition of the town. The town is best enjoyed just walking the streets, taking in the sights, shopping, eating, and absorbing the towns electricity.

The major piazza, Piazza del Campo, is a huge open space with restaurants and shops surrounding it. The center area seems to act as a sitting place where you can find kids running around, people chatting, or even some sunbathing:
Gotta love the self-portraits we take when it's just us:
The city hall building that faces the square:
An awesome event called the Palio happens at the Piazza twice a year. Basically, it is a horse race where they lay sand down in the area surrounding the center and 10 horses (each representing one of the 17 contrades of Siena) race the tough course. The whole town takes part in it, and it must be a complete spectacle to see. Definitely something to consider attending if you find yourself in Italy in July or August.

Next, we headed to the Cathedral of Siena. It was an amazing church inside and out. From the outside, you can see for yourself:
The inside of the church was really something to see. Every square inch of the interior was covered in some sort of art work, from floor to ceiling.
Covering the floors, you find mosaics like this:
Just one of the alcoves (a terrible picture, I know):
Looking up at the beautiful dome:
A good part of this church is in honor of the Sienese pope, Pope Pius II. Piccolomini's (Pope Pius II's name) library was a cool thing to see with large books lining the walls, frescoes and just a ton of natural light pouring in:
I couldn't possibly explain everything in the cathedral because it is impossible that I really saw everything. I can say that it was my favorite European church that I have ever seen, which I find funny, since it's a lesser known church than say Notre Dame.

Friday night we had a DELICIOUS tuscan meal that included my new favorite soup, Ribollita (a vegetable bread soup), and homemade pasta with wild boar sauce. YUMMY! Nate and I decided that Tuscan food has to be some of our very favorite.

Of course, we did spend more time in Siena Saturday after our day trip to San Gimignano. Mostly just shopping, eating more good food, and letting this guy play in the Piazza:


"Helllooooo, Ladies!"