When we talk about Tuscany, everyone’s heard of Florence. But not quite as many people know Siena. And the few who do generally only know it for the horse race held there every year, the Palio – horses topped with bareback riders race around the Piazza del Campo in an ode to the times of old. If you’re still unsure about what I’m talking about, maybe this scene from Quantum of Solace will ring a few bells.
But I’m not talking about the Palio this morning, because there’s so much more to Siena than a horse race. The beautiful little city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site way back in 1995, still looks every bit the picture-book medieval town it probably was back in 30AD when the Romans plonked a military outpost there. There are uniform terracotta roofs as far as the eye can see, those beautiful but somewhat difficult to walk on cobbled paths, and symbolic and religious iconography around every corner. There’s also the incredible Tuscan food, the sweet little corner stores, the steeply sloped alley ways that you just have to wander up and down, and the best door knockers you’ve ever seen.
Welcome to Siena, through my eyes…
(documented) by jess 
this post definitely managed to make me miss my home country. Enjoy!
I hope you make it back for a visit soon!
through your eyes looks like you had a great time…thanks for the visual essay…
Thanks Anthony, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I have never been to Siena, but your pictures remind me so much of Orvieto. A little hilltop town between Siena and Rome. I thought I was looking at my photos for a split second there. Beautiful Jess. 🙂
I’ve heard Orvieto is beautiful! There are just so many little towns in Italy that are like that, though… I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures!
Very true 😊
Oh my goodness!! I lived/studied here! Aw, really miss it!!
Ohh no way! How long has it been since you visited?! Time to get a flight booked 😉
It’s been years and years and years!! Yeah, I definitely do want to go back!