Siena

Siena was once Florence's powerful rival in the age of city states.  But eventually, the plague and the might of Florence overwhelmed the city and it became somewhat of a medieval backwater.  Our gain - this is is Italy's best Gothic (medieval) city, with a beautiful sun-soaked campo (square) and a surprisingly-still-standing city hall tower overlooking this Tuscan hill town and it's rural surroundings.  Another beautiful day in paradise.

Note the sign - only licenced guides of Siena can lead tourist around.  I just told the police they were my wives and kids.

Evocative stained glass in the Basilica of San Domenico, where the head of St. Catherine of Siena is on display.  No photos allowed (this one was an accident)

Italy is now on Spring Break!

In the beautiful Piazza del Campo

The tower on the city hall was added after the building was completed, with NO additional reinforcement to the building.

Looking up from the courtyard of city hall

Relaxing before the big climb

Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside

On top of the tower

It's a long way down the tower stairwell

Some interesting challenges for Mr. Johnson in the claustrophobic stairway

The turn-the-corner-and-finally-see-it view of the campo and city hall tower

Playing after a delicious lunch

Final souvenir hoodie of the trip

The facade of the Siena Cathedral

The nave of the cathedral

The intricately carved pulpit

St. Jerome as scuplted by baroque master Bernini in the Siena Cathedral

Someone's got a funny video on their camera...

...might have something to do with Kieran and this miniature trash truck

Siena was founded, in legend, by Senius, son of Remus (famous for being raised by a wolf and founding Rome with brother Romulus)

Don't let go Kirk!

On the steps of the duomo

Italian gentleman tries to maneuver  around Cassie

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We tried to get Jacob to join these guys as we waited outside the WC

Last minute shopping for knockers (for doors)

Josh's Italian candy teeth didn't really look like food

Yo, this is our hood

Mrs. Talbot has had too much chinotto...

.... a delicious squid ink beverage.  I think Mrs. MacKinnon wants some too.

Only Mr. J has the reach to operate this pepper mill