Besides the Siena Duomo, I simply love visiting sites, wandering around the streets, eating delicious Tuscany food, watching a snare drum and flag waving procession of one of the Contrade’s (neighborhood association).

The Piazza del Campo is the gathering point for Siena. Like a sea shell, the brick plaza dips toward the lowest end of the Piazza in front of the Palazzo Publicco, the municipal building. The Palio horse race occurs in July and August pitting the 17 contrades against each other. Fortunately, the brick pavement is covered to limit injuries.

Since I happen to be visiting Siena on Sunday, one of the contrades marches through the street with drums and banners.

Siena is also the home and final resting place of Catherine of Siena. Makes sense doesn’t it! Although her body is in Rome, the Church of San Domenico holds several relics of this co-patron saint of Italy.

Dante lived in Siena for a few months. He mentions Siena in his Divine Comedy. In one place, he refers to a well-known Sienese man who killed his wife. Maybe by pushing her down a spiral staircase?

I certainly am not thinking about walking or being a pilgrim. Being in Siena is rest in itself. Oh, I did have wonderful coffee and a meal or two!