Siena...Nearer My God To Thee

 Piazzas, Duomos and tourists. Actually the reverse when it comes to which outnumbers which but nonetheless a very interesting and enjoyable day. We start off with a short 25 minute train ride to Siena and the day is sunny and warm and culture, religion and frescoes are the name of the game. It was also market day and the crowds of locals and displays of produce were in abundance. 

The first church we visited, built in 1226 was San Domenico. Huge as they all are, but not as inspiring as many others but significant by nature of it containing the mummafied head and thumb of Saint Catherine (No pictures please). The truly remarkable one was the Duomo which was built in 13th century. Fabulous paintings by Donatello and Michael Angelo The stained glass was glowing in the sun. In the Duomo library, some of the volumes on display go back hundreds of years and it amazes me as to the amount of work and years it would  have taken to complete just one volume. The scriptures were immaculately penned calligraphy and the art work done by the monks and scholars must have been inspired by God or perhaps demanding Popes. But the cathedral, which was built on the backs of the peasants and craftsmen over approximately 50 years, proves as a reminder that the Catholic Church was the dominate force and still plays a very important role today. When I stand back and look at the structure and just try to imagine how it would have been built and at what cost, it is a real tribute to those who would have conceived, and constructed with the limited building resources at the time. Whether it was the desire to be closer to God that drove the people to build this magnificent cathedral or perhaps the threat of everlasting penance by priests and Popes, it goes without saying, this is truly an outstanding symbol of the importance of religion at the time.

And of course the day wouldn't be complete without coffee and a pastry. So we stopped at a renowned local shop called Nannini Café near Piazza Il Campo for a café latte and cannoli. Tony Sopranno would have been proud. Saluti