SIENA
"Siena deserves to be visited thoroughly because every corner is full of gastronomic, cultural, and artistic wonders" unknown...
Siena became an important banking center in the 13th century and still claims to have the oldest bank in the world, Monte dei Paschi di Siena. In 1348 the area lost an estimated two thirds of its inhabitants due to the black plague. On the brighter side, perhaps the most entertaining horse race in the world is ran here in the main town square Piazza del Campo. We were told betting is highly discouraged before and during these events. Generally the race is over in about 60 seconds and all seventeen districts are represented. The party that comes after the race is just as legendary.
One of our favorite excursions on tour was visiting a stained glass workshop. We were lucky enough to see a work in progress, and thanks to tour buddies Katherine and Mark, we got to see the finished work of art a few months later.
The tower, Torre del Mangia built in 1338-1348 is said to symbolize the balance of power between church and state.
After the tour dinner hosted by members of the Forest (Selva) district, we were treated to a presentation of the running of the Palio di Siena in Piazza del Campo. Even if a rider falls off his horse the horse can still win!
Off the beaten path. We got lost in Santa Maria della Scala (a hospital turned museum), and stumbled upon a library on the 5th floor. There we found a couple of Siena historians, one who gave us a private tour, and tons of fascinating books. Some modern, some extremely old.
Alter deep inside Santa Maria della Scala
Stephanie holding up pencil art that was the blueprint for a marvelous piece of stained glass.
Lord of the Lakes church outside of Winneconne WI.
