Siena

It was a straightforward drive south to Siena, another medieval walled city but this time, on a hill, requiring that we park below.  We thought that we would have to walk up 900 m along switchback roads but surprisingly came across -- yes -- an escalator which took us right to the top. Some of the escalators were not working so we took stairs until we realized that the escalators were motion activated!


You would think that we would be getting tired of looking at churches.  BUT this one in Siena was probably the most magnificent that we've seen anywhere, including France.  The outside is exquisite.










On the inside, every square inch, from ceiling to walls to floors, is covered with works of art.






Here are just some of the long line of sculptures of the various popes.


These next 5 pictures are from the church's library.





We then went out into the campo which is large open oval shaped area where 'anything goes' horse races occur twice per year.  However, we did see a rousing parade with drums as you'll see below.






The plan then was to leave Siena and go on a scenic drive to the south.  "Serena" let us down at that point, taking us perhaps 30 km or so in the wrong direction.  Okay, maybe we didn't put in the address properly.  We tried to get to Madonnino, but Serena allowed only Madonnina or Madonnina
Bivio.  We typed in the latter and our 'destination' turned out to be a farmhouse on a hilltop which we should have taken a picture of.  With some maneuvering, we finally made our way to Montalcino, a region rich in vineyards.  This region produces some of Italy's most prestigious wines (Brunelo di Montalcino).  Bob would have loved it.







As for today, we leave you with a mouthwatering treat.