More Romanesque stripes adorn the edifice of the strictly Gothic cathedral (1285) in Siena. But inside you will be greeted by an enormous picture of smiling Christ Pantocrator. His smile is so captivating and irresistible that even my Sony camcorder (while I was filming) started taking pictures of Him (auto-smile feature was obviously on!)
Duomo's aborted expansion is now museo Metropolitana and offers great views of the city (climb its narrow spiral stairs to get there).
St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) is also Italy's patron saint. She got her first vision of Christ at the age 8, received her stigmata at 28. Her mummified head and thumb are revered in a chapel in the rather uninspired, massive brick church of San Domenico (1226) It houses a little souvenir shop - ask for the herbal liquor made locally.
Traditionally Siena divided on 17 contrade (wards). Sienese are probably the most unique citizens in the whole world, because they have 3 citizenships! They are citizens of their contrada first (baptize, get married, bury their dead), Siena second and Italy third. They also have a zero tolerance policy to crime and as result - Siena is one of Europe's "crime- free" zones!
Siena's "pajamas" wearing cathedral
Old town in Siena
In the narrow streets of the Old town
Ooh! (Ahi!)