Trekking Through Siena

One of the effects of hoping from place to place is not having the time to really know what to expect. As long as you're flexible and open to anything this can be quite fun.

So as I got off my bus at Siena, I was looking at the next challenge presented to me. The city of Siena is built over hills and valleys. Just getting from the station to the square was a workout! (But I've done Mt. Apo, so ha!) The roads though are quite steep and I would often find myself trying to catch my breath when I'd get to an intersection. At one intersection while hunched over, I saw a runner zip past goin up and down. I'll bet the joggers here are so much more hardcore than those anywhere else. As for me, it seems those gelatos are starting to deal their damage.

The long road going up

It's an amazing city though, because its location provides the opportunity for some of the most beautiful views, both of the city and the surrounding area. Right beside the cathedral, there is a high panoramic spot. It was originally meant to be the facade of a bigger new cathedral. Unfortunately, it was never finished. You can still access it though through a museum. From up there you can see almost the entire surrounding area. I couldn't recognize anything, but seeing the countryside was a breathtaking experience. With the perfect weather, it provided a view that is postcard perfect. That was something.

Catching the view from the arch

In every city I always visit the cathedral. It's a place where everything comes together in history, religion and art. Somehow, as I go along, each succeeding cathedral seems to inspire more and more wonder and amazement. I think it may be possible though that the one in Siena will be the best (sans St. Peter's perhaps). Not only is the cathedral decorated at the roofs and walls, but the greatest work of the building is its marble floor. The entire floor is covered in sculpted pictures of all sorts of images. From symbols of the cities of Tuscany, to pictures of sybils and of course, religious scenes. It's an unbelievable collection of art right beneath my feet. For preservation purposes, it's not all on display all the time. A fair portion is actually covered to protect it from the many trampling feet passing through yearly.

The beautiful cathedral facade

And the interior columns