Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Day 36 May 19th
Sienna
Our bus lunges through the gate at 0850, three minutes late, and we climb aboard. Its full of kids and a fierce woman who tries to keep them in order. The drive is fine and the countryside interesting but its Sienna we are here to see.
At Porte Gramasci we descend and begin our 'tour'. It is soon apparent that the city is old and pleasant and the day will be good. We find a CD shop. Actually Meryl saw it and so we entered, hopeful as ever. Well I found a CD but I don't think it will get an airing on the way home (Luciano Berio if you must know, not a favourite of hers, I think!)
But of we go into the old streets and very quickly find 'Il Campo'. This is some place. At 10 am it has only a few people about so we sit and have a coffee and enjoy the sight. It is hard to imagine it when the racing takes place and it is full and very noisy. The setting is staggering as the buildings are old. On many there are balconies which give spectators an amazing view of the crazy events taking place. Few coffees will be served on that day, I think. We enjoy the scene for a while before heading off to the Duomo; another one although I know from a previous visit that is 'different'.
It emerges from behind some buildings as we wander the streets and its very whiteness is stark. We buy the OPA card, which will get us into about six sites so we are now committed to an afternoon of Siennese culture.
The museum, which is next to the 'Bigilleteri' is full of fantastic sculptures rescued from front of the Duomo to prevent further damage. There are also some extraordinary early Renaissance art before we arrive at the climb. It's only about 100 steps or so but it's up some narrow stairs and passing people very difficult. Meryl declines to climb but with the promise of great views of the city I decide to go up. Its worth the effort as one can see for miles but also one gets a detailed view of the city including the Campo.
The visit to the Duomo emphasises its uniqueness in terms of the stone used in its construction. It is a huge space with many art works but I found it's the brightness of the white stone that sets it off. As well as that, the library is startling. The museum had many examples of some very early music notation in stunningly written books dating form the 14th century and the library ahs more examples. It is the wall art, however, that is eye-catching. For me the scene of a storm just creeping into the corner of one of the huge paintings is memorable.
The rest of our visits are equally good so our delay has been worthwhile. Two hours and a visit to the Campo is just not sufficient!
Finally, we get to a food shop, selling lots for local produce. Its smell is wonderful, a mixture of cheese, smoked meats and other local delights. We settle on some wine and prepare to hump that back to the bus station for the ride home.
- comments