Sept.26 – The drive to Siena was through beautiful Tuscan countryside, just as beautiful as the travel guides picture it. We stopped in the hill town of San Gimignano. The town is famous for its towers; only a small percentage of which have survived. Every way we turned there was some new scenic view of towers, alleys and quaint buildings. It was made more charming by the sounds of a harp playing in a small park and a flute in another small piazza overlooking the old walls. A few artists had set up to display and sell their work along the walkways. A kind shopkeeper allowed us to use her WC as the public one was at the other end of town. I thought it was only right to give her some business and buy some olive oil. After a good walk around town admiring views and a very simple but charming mediaeval church, we moved on to the ancient town of Volterra. This town dates back to the Etruscans, followed by the Romans and on through time to present day, sleepy, non tourist town. The ruins of a Roman Theatre and Baths were the highlight for us.
We took a back road into Siena which was windy and scenic. Our powder blue “Power Panda” as we called our little feisty Fiat, proved its worth as we swooped our way to the Porta Romano gate of Sienna where our hotel was located. The aptly named Hotel Porta Romana had parking - a bonus in these walled Tuscan towns - and a room with a post card view of the hilly landscape. We headed into town for a quick browse and dinner. The walk into the centre of town was an uphill 10 minute hike but by now we were used to the hill towns and their inclines. The Campo (Main Square) is pretty spectacular. This is where the Palio is held in July and August – a wild horse race around the square with fierce competition between the 17 Contradas (districts.) “Spend an evening in a sleepy mediaeval town” our guide book suggested. Well, let me tell you, Siena is anything but sleepy. The locals like to play. And the tourists can join in at will. We happened to be there on a weekend when they were celebrating the winning of the Palio in July. There were parades and music, costumes and flags. After dinner in a little restaurant squeezed onto a series of platforms jutting into an alley way, we joined some of the parading groups in their celebrations. We were both enchanted by the friendliness of the locals and the fun of the old mediaeval traditions that still carry on.
We took a back road into Siena which was windy and scenic. Our powder blue “Power Panda” as we called our little feisty Fiat, proved its worth as we swooped our way to the Porta Romano gate of Sienna where our hotel was located. The aptly named Hotel Porta Romana had parking - a bonus in these walled Tuscan towns - and a room with a post card view of the hilly landscape. We headed into town for a quick browse and dinner. The walk into the centre of town was an uphill 10 minute hike but by now we were used to the hill towns and their inclines. The Campo (Main Square) is pretty spectacular. This is where the Palio is held in July and August – a wild horse race around the square with fierce competition between the 17 Contradas (districts.) “Spend an evening in a sleepy mediaeval town” our guide book suggested. Well, let me tell you, Siena is anything but sleepy. The locals like to play. And the tourists can join in at will. We happened to be there on a weekend when they were celebrating the winning of the Palio in July. There were parades and music, costumes and flags. After dinner in a little restaurant squeezed onto a series of platforms jutting into an alley way, we joined some of the parading groups in their celebrations. We were both enchanted by the friendliness of the locals and the fun of the old mediaeval traditions that still carry on.
Hill towns of Tuscany - San Gimignano & Volterra; enroute to Siena
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