Off to Siena

August 26, 2023

We are now in Siena from where the cycling will begin. We took the train from Rome to Siena where we were met by the guides, in fact unbeknownst to us one of the guides was sitting beside us on the train. Once in Siena Tim and I toured about taking in the famous Duomo and the central square around which happens a horse race in July and again in August. This is called a Palio where various regions of the city compete on bare back horses over 3 laps of the city centre. The winner has bragging rights through Siena until the next race. Tonight the winners were celebrating in great style. This tradition dates back to the 1400s. Tonight we met for a meeting and then off to dinner. In typical Italian style we had a reservation for 8PM but ate about 8:30 and weren’t back to the hotel until 10:30.

Tim under the banner of the Palio winner but also notice the steepness of the street. Siena is not flat.

The front of the Duomo unique for its white and black stripes. Started in the 900s and still not done. The main building actually started in the 1300s.

One of many amazing marble inlaid pieces in the floor of the Duomo. This one looks like Dumbledoor.

Another inlaid piece on the floor. They are truly amazing.

Piazza il Campo the square around which the horse race takes place.

Again piazza il campo and the town hall. This square was packed last night.

The colours of one the horses marching through town

My dinner at 9PM of gnocchi with meat sauce and local red wine.

Tim’s dinner of tagliatelle al cinghiale which translates to a wild boar ragu pasta.

The winning team parading through town last night. They celebrate all year whenever they want to.

A street photo of one of the horses in the race.

Again the colours of the winning horse, they just like jockey silks.

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