On our second day in Siena, after returning from Florence, we ventured over the hill and through the wall into the old town and, much to our surprise, discovered an ancient community, preserved over the centuries ever since its glory days in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
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A vision of the Virgin protecting Siena from earthquakes, 1467 |
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 Spring up, O wells |
 They say that Siena was founded by Aschio and Seno, the sons of Romulus' rival brother Remo. Wolf-nurslings aren't necessarily friendly, I guess. |
 St. Catherine's Church, built early in the second millenium and dedicated to Siena's patron saint |
 View of the Duomo from St. Catherine's |
 Walking into the old town |
 Altar windows at St. Catherine's |
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| Ancient street scenes in the old town with buildings joined by arches | |
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Tasty lunch under an awning
Palazzo delle Papesse Center of Contemporary ArtAfter experiencing the Piazza, we wandered side streets on our way to the Duomo and discovered the Palazzo delle Papesse where we spent some very stimulating time investigating its interactive exhibit of contemporary art. |
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Entrance through an imposing door
leads down to an old crypt |
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Reflections in a mirrored installation on the second floor contrast with |
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an old ceiling fresco best seen by lying on one's back and looking up. |
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Stairs to the third floor open out to a view from the rooftop. From here we meandered on to Siena's magnificent cathedral. |
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