I love Siena, it is one of my favourite cities in Italy. I went there a few weeks ago and stayed for 2 nights. The days here have been very hot, so I like to get out early, retreat to the hotel in the heat of the afternoon and venture out again in the evening.
This summer there are not a lot of tourists about, so wandering the streets is a pleasure, not an obstacle course. I feel for all of the traders, who are suffering badly because of travel restrictions. I spoke to a couple who told me the lack of visitors is devastating. There is no end in sight for this. It will probably be next summer before things improve.
I chose Hotel Duomo to stay in. They promised a view of the duomo from my room…here it is.
A bonus was the campanile in the Campo.
…and at night.
Wandering the streets offers peeks of gorgeous rooftops between buildings.
I love the decorative torch holders and places to tie your horse or donkey. Some are jaunty, the artists clearly had a sense of humour.
I came upon some young boys learning the fine art of flag throwing…one of the things I love to watch in the many festivals in a Italy.
There are delights at every turn in Siena. Your eyes need to be everywhere.
The Campo is one of the best piazzas in all of Italy. My main reason for the return visit was to sit here and watch the sun go down. The colour of the sky above the buildings is spectacular.
I had dinner on my first night on the edge of the Campo and stayed for hours.
The other night I ate at a restaurant that was recommended to me…Numero Unico on Via di Citta. It was excellent. I wanted the pecorino tart to last forever and the semifreddo with panforte was heavenly.
The Duomo was offering free admission, but I would happily pay the usual €10 to visit this magnificent church.
From now until October the mosaic floors are uncovered. I went last year to see this. Click the link to see the post I wrote. Siena revisited
I drove to Siena and parked at the railway station car park. It costs €2 per day…what a bargain! There is a local bus to take you up the hill to the city centre for €1.
Hotel Duomo…http://www.hotelduomo.it
Ristorante Numero Unico…http://www.ristorantenumerounico.it