Siena is famous for several things, but two stand out for me.
First, it has to be one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the world. It is set in the hills of Tuscany and has much of its ancient architecture intact.
Secondly, it has one of the most famous horse races (and they claim the oldest) in the world. Twice a year since the 16th century, once in early July and again in the middle of August, ten of the old neighborhood organizations get together to hold a bareback horse race around the central square. We ended up there between the two events this year.
They haul in sand and dirt to make the course around the Piazza del Campo and make a pageant of one of the most dangerous events you will see. For the animal rights activists out there, this may not be your event. Here is a link to the July race this year complete with a nasty crash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-gG6A_-Ez4
Our lunch did not compete for the next “Best Food” award, but it did come up as the most expensive lunch we have had since we arrived in Italy. That is what comes from dining in the middle of the race course.
Here are some of the views around town.