Let’s go on a marvelous day trip to two Medieval towns which have preserved better than most their unique charm and ancient traditions, San Gimignano and Siena. Apart from the towns we will also catch a glimpse of the enchanting Tuscan countryside
We start our day visiting San Gimignano known as Tuscany’s Manhattan thanks to the Medieval towers which dominate the skyline. Only 1000 people live inside the walls. Nevertheless the town has in recent years encouraged artisans and artists to open up their workshops and we will find a lively and friendly atmosphere around. Here we will see the squares Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza della Collegiata and there will be time to enjoy the incredible view, do some shopping or just relax with an ice-cream from the world famous gelato bar Dondoli or a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Siena – the Town of the Palio
We continue to Siena, the town of the horse races called the Palio, and for centuries the main rival to Florence.
In Siena we will see the pretty San Domenico Church, the shell-shaped square Il Campo with the high tower of the town hall, Il Mangia, and we will admire the outstanding Gothic Cathedral with its incredible marble front. Inside it boasts artworks by Michelangelo, Donatello and Gian Lorenzo Bernini among others and the church also features the exceptional Piccolomini Library with frescoes by Pinturicchio from the early 1500.
Twice a year Siena gets ready for the Palio. That means “mud” in the main square, competition and honour. The town and its 17 neighborhoods, contrade, are all busy in the preparation that is not leaving anything undone. The horse races are run on the 2nd of July and on the 16th of August. Everyone in town is participating in one way or another because the Palio is much more than a simple horse race for a local. Winning the race means everything and if your contrada cannot win it’s equally important that your enemy contrada loses!
