Under the Tuscan Sun

Florence was sunny and quite warm when we left but as we climbed the moutains the fog lay in spots like a blanket.  Blue sky above was promising though.

We were on our way to Siena in the heart of Chianti country.  Despite the colours of autumn/winter dominating the landscape it remained spectacular with all the typical icons of Tuscany, vineyards and olive groves.

On our arrival in Siena we passed the markets in full swing with people on their way home with todays lunch and dinner.  It is amazing how they pop out each day for their groceries instead of loading up the trolley weekly or even fortnightly.

Probably it is more pleasant.

Everywhere you look there is a photograph and it is hard to stop snapping every building you come across.

obediently following our guide who holds the sunflower, symbol of the area

This is Campo square in Siena where the famous Palio di Siena horse races take place twice a year, 2nd July and 16th august.  This has been happening since the 11th century and 10 of the 17 districts participate in each race.  This was instigated to give thanks to the Madonna.

It begins at 7pm and last for only one and a half minutes give or take a few seconds.  It takes longer to line the horses up, in an order which is decided by luck and is of crucial importance.  Each jockey, riding bareback, wears the colours of the district they represent.  they are not locals but hired professionals, who only receive a ribbon not money, as the prestige of winning is more than enough.

The square and it's surrounds, including the balconies on the surrounding buildings are filled with up to the 50,000 people.  If you want to sit down you pay up to 500 Euros per person for the privelege.  The district which wins celebrates their victory for some months.

my people are eating and drinking and I just have to sit here!

Siena is divided into districts and each district is symbolised by a marker so that you know which district you are in.  These districts are little communities with regular meeting places and also taking part in the horse race each year.  Siena was very prosperous during the 1100's as a major money lending centre with a population of 50,000 which was enormous by the standards of that  day.  This prosperity declined in the late 1200's and the population today is only 60,000, small by today's standards.     The city however, remains beautiful due to the influences over the centuries and they are very proud of the fact that quite a few Popes have come out of Siena, as is evidenced in the Cathredal by the faces of many of them carved into the wall.

really steep streets

parking at an interesting angle

attentively listening to our guide

 It WAS sunny for some of the day, clouds and rain came later.

imagine carrying your groceries up these steep streets, plenty of pauses

Can't forget my obsession with doors.    The time in Siena was much too short but gave an indication of what could be explored at another date if I am lucky enough to come back.

Ciao

Jo