Hotel and Spa Aquavina

Tuscan Hills

View from our balcony 

Storm clouds rolling in...

Lovely misty morning

I can't believe we're in Italy!!

Good bye Monteriggioni

Have you ever wondered where the name of the crayon Siena came from?

What a difference in color from the earth from around here...

Cypress trees

On our way to our hotel

(3 night stay, Hurray!)

Off to the walled city of Monteriggioni

Known for its medieval fortifications and 14 watchtowers

Built by the Sienese in 1214 - 1219 as a front line in their wars

against Florence
Remember that each region of Italy was once independent
&
All fighting for power

Considered the center of town

The church and garden / olive trees

View from the 20 foot thick walls

Duomo di Siena

Medieval Church
Groundbreaking 1196
Built 1222 -1348   

Each portal is capped by a Bronze work Sun

Polychrome Marble used for the variety of colors

A Bronze central door is considered a 'recent addition'

Commissioned in 1946 at the end of German occupation of Siena

The large door is called the Porta della Riconoscenza

"Glorification of the Virgin'  

Siena patron Saint

Gelato is taking Very Seriously in Italy!

Some Amazing flavors....yum!

Glen enjoying some of the Best chocolate gelato so far...

12 days to go... 

Every door is Amazing in Siena

Decorative door bells

Carving of a Lion of the rear of the Duomo di Siena

These two iron animals are to either hold a torch and/or 

hitch your horse to. 

It all depends on the height of the ring from the ground

The entire side of a building (facing the street) would

have these rings, every 8 feet

I think they are neat.

You might see a few different types as we go through Italy

Most houses have a Family Crest or Coat of Arms

You just have to look closely

I loved the Dragon on this street lamp

Medieval Architecture is amazing!
You will notice that some of the windows have
been filled in, this is to give the structure more support

During our time to explore on our own we came across a few things...
Like this sculpture that represents one of the 17 'families' or contrade of Siena
If you are interested about the festival that Siena has twice a year, look up the Palio di Siena
Ten jockeys riding bareback, dressed in the appropriate family colors
Race through the Piazza de Campo for three laps
Most races take about 90 seconds
Occasionally riders are thrown
This festival draws huge crowds.
Next race is July 2

Yes, this is a Rhino

An animal that reflects Strength and Stability

The perfect representation of the Prima Selvalta (family)