Spending more time to appreciate this spectacular city perfectly preserved from its gothic medieval period. The superb restaurants, bustling squares, labyrinth of cobbled backstreets and cathedrals adorned with medieval architecture and monuments.
In the centre is the cities prominent Piazza del Campo, a central medieval square with its 17 historic contrade (districts) extending outwards. This is the home of one of Italy’s most dramatic events the ‘Il Campo’ the scene of the Palio horse race, not having run last year due to Covid, we are hoping the race will run this year and we will still be in Italy to witness the event. The Il Campo is where the cities districts have completed since the 1600s, it’s about pride and identity where even those bound by marriage separate for a few days because they belong to different districts.
As you observe it is evident the Piazza is a central hub where many locals and visitors come together, chatting, entertaining, and indulging in the picnics spread in front of them. Joyful groups frequent the bars sipping coffee, beer, wine, cocktails and eat the traditionally Italian food.
Off the Piazza there are many narrow paths, offering shadow from the Tuscan sun, leading to courtyards, churches and many traditional family run shops and restaurants. Explore to witness an abundance of local produce and culture. Although the Piazza restaurants are positioned great for people watching, I just love the little restaurants that offer tables and stalls, perched precariously on the steep gradient of the narrow paths. Service is attentive and food is wonderful.
Siena is also home to one of Italy’s most beautify cathedral. Even if Cathedrals are not your thing it is well worth the visit. The grand Duomo is an awesome structure with its stunning façade, striped bell tower and fascinating interior, continuing the theme of striped walls of red, white and green marble, towering pillars and intricate floors with a beautiful star painted vault ceiling. Since 1215 the Duomo di Siena has collected works of art including Michelangelo, Pinturicchio and Donatello, evident all around. To really appreciate the Duomo view it from a distance, wander up one of the surrounding steep paths and see the marble exterior contrast with the cities deep sandy streets.
We did have a purpose to revisit Siena, and this was to find a dog sitter! We are heading back to the UK at the end of July for Graham’s son’s wedding, postponed several times due to Covid. As we have Alfie and Jerry (the dogs) with us we felt it far easier to find someone to look after them while we are away. Easier said than done!
Having looked at Kennels in our local area we have ruled this out as an option. Although we held out great hope for a couple of places, we had researched prior to coming over, websites looked great, we were disappointed when we went to view. Kennels in Italy are very traditional back to how they were in the UK many years ago. Dogs in metal cages and let out for 20 minutes twice a day. Very noisy and not great in the temperatures of the summer. We quickly ruled this option out as this is just not what our dogs are used to, especially Jerry our older dog and the more sensitive one, as he would find this environment very distressing.
After Graham researching more, we found a couple of websites where individuals advertised as dog sitters. Following a few emails, we arranged to meet a lovely guy in Siena to see if he was suitable for the role. We met in the Piazza and wondered along to a bar he frequented and had a beer together, to get to know each other. A lovely guy, we could not have hoped for a better person to look after the two dogs. We are popping back nearer the date to see his accommodation (which he shares with this English girlfriend) and to finalise the details. Phew what a relief this is now sorted just the rules around Covid and quarantine to go!
Travel adventures 