Siena

Monday 6th November

Arevadelci (?) Roma: An early rise and smooth trip to Siena - final hour by bus which was most interesting as we climbed into the Tuscan hill country. Very surprised to see that the sides of steep hills are used for cropping with large areas recently ploughed. A taxi took us to the door of our hotel which, although it doesn't look much from the street, is in a building built as a large family home in the 1500's and converted to a hotel with only 10 rooms, in the 1800's, and has fantastic views across Siena. Our room is large with a colourful, patterned, tiled floor and shuttered windows with a lovely view.

 

 

It is only a short walk to the main street which, in medieval times' was the main road linking Rome with the rest of Europe and which is now lined with very fashionable shops and some amazing buildings.

 Just off this road is Il Campo - the main square, reputed to be the best square in Italy where an exciting horse race between the town's 8 or 10 districts is run twice a year. Despite constant rain we walked a lot, dined fairly late, and generally tired ourselves out. Hopefully a sleep in tomorrow!