Siena, the city with the most character that we were able to see during this trip. The old town is divided into 17 wards where each is represented by an animal or a mascot (Eagle, Caterpillar, Snail, Little Owl, Dragon, Giraffe, Rested Porcupine, Unicorn, She-Wolf, Seashell, Goose, Wave, Panther, Forest, Tortoise, Tower and Valley of the Ram)
Each of the wards have a saint patron, flag and its own museum. They are also associated with one of the old guilds such as bakers, shoemakers and painters to name a few.
On the day that we arrive to Siena, the Caterpillar ward had its saint day, and the young were parading the narrow streets in the colors of their ward making lots of noise.
Once a year there is also a horse race on the city square. The winner ward celebrates the victory through the year.
On the way to Rome we stopped at Orvieto. A town on the top of a steep hill were we had to take a Funicular to the top. The views were breathtaking!
Next day we are off to Rome.
In the middle of the old town, there was also a cathedral. The story of the cathedral was that Siena was competing with a neighboring city to be the greatest. One of the measure of that was the size of the cathedral. Unfortunately Siena is located on a hill so there was a limited space available for the cathedral and a plan was to extend the cathedral beyond the hill on a man made structure. This plan was soon abandoned when one of the new extension walls started to lean.
On the day that we arrive to Siena, the Caterpillar ward had its saint day, and the young were parading the narrow streets in the colors of their ward making lots of noise.
Once a year there is also a horse race on the city square. The winner ward celebrates the victory through the year.
Next day we are off to Rome.
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