Siena Favorites

Favorite thing: We waited at Dievole's patio before the wine tour started. In our small group of 4 we had this sweet couple from South Africa who were enjoying their retirement by travelling every chance they get. I'd love to grow old and have a travelling partner who enjoys it as much as I do.
She smiled and laughed a lot...especially after tasting all that wine ;-)

4 more images

Favorite thing: A unique square that is leaned on towards the municipio (town hall), in a strange shape of a fan or a sea shell, and the center point of Siena. Both during the day and night, there are many people walking by, sitting on the floor of the square, or in the cafes around.
It is a place of the famous "Palio di Siena", horseraces around the square that are held every summer.

Favorite thing: In case you want a bit of background on the tower, you can find it on the wall at the base of the steps. Hand written signs like this one with a brief description of the tower in every language you can imagine have been posted there.

Favorite thing: This cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Italy. While inside the church, I was listening to one of those guides with a tour group (I always do that;-) and she was telling them of how when this church was built, they put so much thought and effort into it back then so that it'll be more beautiful than the one in Florence.
I personally think that Florence's is more beautiful but the story shows you how much rivalry there was between Siena and Florence.

Favorite thing: Walking the streets around the main square was an incredible experience. I was just soaking in all the history and beauty behind every wall and stone step...slowly breathing in the cool air. There are signs everywhere telling you the way to get to this church...or that museum but I wasn't paying attention. I took my time and I remember I didn't even get to these steps until the second or third day...and they led to one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.

Favorite thing: Internet Train
(www.internettrain.it)
1. Via di Città, 121
2. Via Pantaneto, 54

Megaweb
(www.megaweb.to)
1. Via Pantaneto, 132

Fondest memory: my favorite cafe was Megaweb - they had a scanner you could use for the standard hourly cost and were FAR more friendly than the Internet Train workers!

Favorite thing: After seeing the tower, the baptistery and the cathedral we were free to wander. Seina is such a beautifully preserved Gothic town, and once the day-trippers left we had the streets to ourselves.

Fondest memory: My fondest memory of Siena was walking around town at dusk and in the evening.

Favorite thing: ........the Piazza Il Campo.........the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta........the Torre del Mangia........the small and noarrow streets........the pizzerias.............Nannini´s cappucino..........the kids running after the doves on Il Campo......the Fonte Gaia........the gelaterias.........the medieval charme of the town!!!!

Fondest memory: I really love the Duomo ........and the views you get from the Torre del Mangia.... On the one hand you have the city under your feet and on the other hand you can have a look over the wonderful Tuscan scenery from here!