Italy Travelogue (4/17) – Siena
September 5, 2024 (Thursday)
Today marks the third day of our journey through Italy.
Our hotel is adorned with charming oil paintings of beach landscapes.
The lobby features a small elevator beside the staircase, reflecting the building's age with its slow speed.
We started the morning with a leisurely stroll around the hotel and a light breakfast of bread, yogurt, and tea.
From Chianciano Terme, we took a 1-hour 10-minute bus ride to Siena, a city celebrated for its artistic heritage.
Siena – The City of Art
As we entered Siena, the massive fortress walls immediately caught our attention.
Siena is the second-largest city in Tuscany after Florence. It reached its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries, rivaling Florence in power and culture. However, after losing a war to Florence, Siena fell into decline, preserving its medieval charm to this day.
The city is a treasure trove of narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings, tightly packed to protect against earthquakes. Its unified brown tones lend Siena a harmonious and picturesque beauty.
From afar, the bell tower of Piazza del Campo stood tall, and the majestic Siena Cathedral loomed in the distance. The view resembled a scene from a medieval painting.
Siena Cathedral
We explored the streets leading to the Siena Cathedral, taking in its grandeur from various angles.
A view of Siena Cathedral from the back
Locals strolled by with their dogs, a peaceful contrast to the historical surroundings.
We wandered around the cathedral and admired its intricate design before heading toward the iconic Piazza del Campo.
Piazza del Campo – Heart of Siena
On the way, we stumbled upon a massive pizza that begged to be photographed! The kitchen staff, noticing our amusement, smiled warmly, adding to the moment.
Soon, we arrived at Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has preserved its medieval ambiance.
This fan-shaped square hosts gatherings and festivals, including Siena's famous Palio horse race, held every July 2nd and August 16th. Watching riders compete on bareback horses is an exhilarating experience unique to Siena.
Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia
We also visited Palazzo Pubblico, now a venue for exhibitions and cultural performances.
The ground floor still serves as Siena’s city hall, but its walls, adorned with iron rings once used to tether horses, are a vivid reminder of its medieval past.
Siena’s Mythical Roots
On the palace walls, we found a sculpture of the legendary wolf that raised Remus and Romulus from Roman mythology. According to legend, Remus' son, Senius, escaped danger and founded Siena, leaving behind a story that intertwines myth and history.
I reviewed the Siena tourism guide pamphlet. They have guides in German, English, and French, but none in Korean.
Rio uses a smartphone translation service to voice his complaint to the tourism office staff.
◆ Rio: Do you have a tourism guide pamphlet in Korean?
● Staff: We don’t have one in Korean.
◆ Rio: Please make one. You must make one!!
● Staff: Ah~~~ okay~~ haha (The staff doesn’t seem to be able to give a definitive answer.)
Exploring Siena’s Hidden Gems
We had some free time to stroll through Siena's alleys, lined with buildings that speak to centuries of history.
Stopping at a fruit shop, I bought plums and peaches. The plums were incredibly sweet and fragrant—a small yet delightful treat.
We also took "jumping shots" in the alleys, capturing the joy of the moment. There’s something uniquely pure about the expressions in these photos—no posing, just fun.
Returning to Piazza del Campo, the contrast of the bright blue sky and the square’s ochre-colored buildings created a breathtaking scene.
Dinner at Ristorante Shanghai
For dinner, we visited Ristorante Shanghai, a cozy Chinese restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere.
Hours: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 6:00 PM–11:00 PM
Address: Via della Galluzza, 10, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Phone: +39 0577 47554
The portions were generous, the seasoning was just right, and the staff’s friendliness made the experience even better.
The arched ceilings gave the restaurant a snug and inviting feel.
Next Destination: San Marino
After a memorable day exploring Siena, we departed for the Republic of San Marino.
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