Rainy Days and Sunshine

Today we went to one of our favorite destinations, Siena. What an intriguing place. An ancient city that actually fought with Florence to determine who would be the cultural and economic center of Italy. As it turned out Florence won, but Siena remained a financial powerhouse that actually participated in the funding of Christopher Columbus’s expedition to the new world. Siena is also home to the famous Palio horse race. 

Believe it or not the race happens right here in this piazza! 

This is Siena’s lovely Duomo. We toured the hospital that was across this piazza; Santa Maria Della Scala. It was founded in 898 and remained in operation well into the 1900’s. 

Of course we had to visit our favorite cafe, Nannini’s.

I’ll leave you now. Have a wonderful day and dream of  coffee and gelato at Nonna Gina’s!

Ciao Baby!