Sienna

At this point, we're back at school, nose to the grindstone. From here on out, it's all day trips. Our first one was to Sienna. It was extremely foggy, making it difficult to see the top of the tower.


Palazzo Comunale houses the Museo Civico. We were able to visit the museum and see some very famous frescoes.


The famous Piazza del Campo. The lines in the paving divide the piazza into quadrants, each corresponding to a neighborhood of the city. Once a year, a major horse race is held here. This piazza is located between two hills, and was originally a large drain. The piazza now has a large drainage structure at the base, forming a stage-like road above.


After the Piazza, we went to the main cathedral in Sienna. It is famous for its marble facad and marble floors. Pisano designed and carved the facad. The church contains a bronze statue of John the Baptist by Donatello. Unfortunately, the facad is being restored right now so we didn't get to see it. All over Italy when a building is restored, at least a picture of the facad is placed over the building.


Marble floors outside the entry.


Marble floors inside the church.


Incredible black & white marble


Again the light coming through the dome is spectacular.


The altar piece is marble carved by Nicola Pisano.


After our Phil tour, we wandered through Sienna on our own. We stumbled upon this fantastic little courtyard. The proportions were perfect.


This well really makes the courtyard special.


The frescoes were stunning.


Hand-painted pottery from Sienna.


Side of the Cathedral after the fog burned off.


Wandering through the city. Beautiful forested areas in the background.


Chiesa di San Domenico...the head of St. Catherine is in this church. She is the only other Saint that received the stigmata.












We found this great piazza which contains an ancient water source.






Matt, Henry, Isby, Josh, and Yarnie.