Italy > Towers of San Gimignano

It seemed like the place was haunted during the night. The new fan suddenly went faster and slower without us touching the remote control. Also, at one o’clock in the night, the light suddenly turned on. We suspect that the remote control from a room next to ours also activates our fan and vice versa. When the hostess brings breakfast and asks how we like the new fan, she is startled to hear that one remote controls both rooms. While we explain this to her, suddenly the light comes on again. For us, it doesn’t matter much anymore. We pack our luggage and leave Florence. We still have to walk a bit through the city to the parking garage. Life in the city is just starting. People are walking to work, and tourists are heading towards the Duomo. We chose the Alberti parking garage because it has a maximum daily rate of 15 euros. The question is often whether this applies per 24 hours or per calendar day. Rates in the city center went up to six euros per hour without a limit. We are surprised that we only have to pay 42.50 euros for three and a half days. Maybe Sunday was free. During the morning rush hour, we drive out of the city and soon get on the highway towards Siena. About halfway, we turn off towards San Gimignano. This mountain village is famous for its towers. In the past, these towers were built for defense and as a refuge in times of danger. The towers were built higher and higher as a status symbol but also became more unstable. Because of the towers and the medieval character of the village, San Gimignano is a real tourist attraction. We wander through the streets. Every street scene is nicer than the last. Besides the town hall with the taller tower, we visit the church.

Italy - The tall towers of San Gimignano

The Collegiata Santa Maria Assunta church is famous for its frescoes on the walls depicting stories from the Old and New Testament. The frescoes date from the 14th century. On a poster, six towers of San Gimignano are depicted. By comparing the towers and the angle from which the photo was taken, we try to find the exact photo spot. We get close but don’t find the exact place. Soon houses are back in our view. We settle for an alternative spot. Just after noon, we continue to Siena. The bed and breakfast is located on the edge of the center. Free parking near the accommodation is indicated in our booking. This turns out to be only partially true. We can park free for a maximum of one hour. That’s enough for now to unload the luggage. With the provided access code, we find the key in a box. Quickly, we put the luggage in the room. We drive the car to a nearby parking lot. When we park, the parking costs are two euros per hour, with a maximum of 35 euros. That’s a bit expensive. We leave the lot and drive to the station. There, we enter another garage. The rates here are only in Italian: "Prima ora o frazione: 0,50; Oltre la prima ora e per l’intera giornata: 2,-". The first hour costs fifty cents, but after that, it’s unclear whether it’s two euros per hour or two euros for the entire day. With a photo of the text, we ask passersby for help. It turns out to be two euros for the whole day. The historic center of Siena lies on a rocky plateau. From the station, a long escalator leads up. From here, we quickly arrive at the Porta Camollia, the northernmost gate of the walled center. We follow the signs towards the Duomo, the Siena cathedral. We walk along the Via dei Montanini, the main street of historic Siena. At the Piazza del Campo, we turn off.

Italy - The dome of the Duomo of Siena was built by Michelangelo

We arrive at the largest square of the old city. The Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall with its bell tower, dominates the shell-shaped square. Around the square lies a thick layer of sand. Last weekend, the traditional horse races were held here. Since 1267, races have been held annually on the square. We are just two days too late. Near Il Campo lies the cathedral. From the outside, the Duomo di Siena somewhat resembles the cathedral of Florence. Beautiful Italian Gothic architecture. Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century but was only completed in 1380. The dome was designed by Michelangelo. To visit the church, we need a ticket. We cross the square to the ticket office, where they only sell tickets for the museum. The ticket office for the cathedral is on the other side of the square, we are told. When we enter the cathedral, we see the beautifully decorated and richly adorned interior. What a difference from Florence. On the floor lies a mosaic inlaid labyrinth. The Gothic octagonal pulpit dates from 1266. From the church, we enter the Libreria Piccolomini, a library displaying huge illustrated religious books from the 15th century. The room itself is already a gem. Pope Pius III had the library built in 1495. The walls and ceiling are painted with Christian frescoes. We return to the Il Campo square to let all the experiences sink in. At the terrace, we order a beer. The waiter is not very enthusiastic due to the heat. He places the beers on the table uninterested — and that for 7.

Italy - On the square in front of the town hall horse races are held annually

50 euros each. At the end of the afternoon, we walk back to our accommodation. On the way, we look at the Basilica of San Francesco. Unlike many other churches, this church has no side aisles. The wooden ceiling is relatively flat, making the church more of a rectangular block. The sober interior is less spectacular than the other churches in the city. In the evening, we eat near our bed and breakfast. On the terrace, only one table is free, provided we leave before 10 p.m. That should be possible. Because of the heat, we are both quite tired. We won’t stay up very late tonight.