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Synagogue - Sienna
Notice how inconspicuous is this active synagogue? Sienna today. Park the car outside the city wall, grab a shuttle and enjoy the ride, just as the guidebook says. But what the book didn’t mention was buying tickets at a convenience store prior to boarding the shuttle. Only some buses carry tickets - thus we learn.
We had an opportunity of visiting the Synagoga di Sienna; this unobtrusive home of Jewish spirituality has regular services. Of course there were none on the day of our visit. It is gratifying to learn Sienna is home to a small and thriving Jewish Community.
Piazza del Campo - the centre of Sienna. Remarkable architecture -- filled with street hawkers, restaurants and tourists, many of them Italian school children on field trips. Oh, look at the beautiful bookshop. How could we leave the Piazza without buying a lovely picture book (choose between Italian, French, German and English) about Pinocchio, whose creator, Geppetto, was born near Sienna. The highlight of the Piazza is the Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy). Prior to its construction, all that could be seen was a pipe carrying a steady gushing stream of water to Sienna, a distance of about 30 Km. Then, the rectangular marble basin you see
Piazzo del Campo
This is a bustling place, especially on a Saturday. at the left side of our photo, was sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia, between 1409 and 1419. Unfortunately, we forgot to get a more intimate photo of this jewel. On the opposite side of the Piazza is the Palazzo Pubblico. What once was created for fortress defense of the city is now a Civic Museum. Constructed in the late 13th and early 14th Centuries, the Palazzo is a marvelous example of Gothic architecture. Although we didn’t have an opportunity to visit the interior, we understand its rooms contain frescoes painted by major European artists.
Move out quickly - straight up to the Duomo dell’Assunta (Cathedral). This magnificent church, dedicated to the Virgin Mother, was constructed in the Romanesque-Gothic style. The marble façade and statuary are breath-taking. Any emotion but wonder would be artificial. Unfortunately we can’t show the interior, as photography is prohibited. Our poor digital shot of the façade does not do it justice but at least you may have an idea. Does our photo suggest construction required 200 years?
Can you imagine our wonder and awe, as we walked upon the marble inlay floor, divided into 56 story-telling panels. What a splendid mosaic of marble tile and religious
Palazzo Pubblico
This is really a lovely building. graffiti, created by several Sienese artists. We were not only walking on history but on the hearts of dedicated and deeply committed artisans for God. We could spend the next few hours writing about the vibrant, dynamic frescoes and paintings …
As we walked back to catch our shuttle, our ears were captured by the strains of classical music. Drawn to its source, much like Michael to chocolate, we chanced upon a delightful courtyard. What a surprise to discover this was the backyard of a private music school. Busts of famous Italian composers festooned the walls and doorways; and the ceiling … What are your adjectives, as you gaze at an inadequate photograph? Thank you to all who have so painstakingly maintained this spectacular piece of art.
This day provided us with other opportunities for learning. On our way back to the car, we wandered into a grocery store, carrying our backpack. Of course we didn’t read the sign (in Italian) telling us to check our bag at the counter. As we were leaving the clerk asked to inspect the pack and found a half-full bottle of water, identical to the brand they sell. Immediately she confiscated the water and
A Magnificient ceiling fresco
This photo does not do justice to the magnificent art work seized our pack, calling the manager. This was done in such a manner as to suggest we’d just robbed the local bank. After explaining we had bought the water elsewhere and the manager checking the product code to ensure it wasn’t his, we were allowed to leave with our water and pack in hand. Lesson learned not repeated.
Supper tonight in Lucignano, a small medieval village high atop a hill between Sienna and Alberoro, at Il Gnoccino, a restaurant and wine bar - a feast for the eyes and palate. This gem sits unimposingly just inside the village walls. You might, as we did, walk by without notice. But once inside -- the view across the valley is spectacular.
How inadequate is the English language to describe this lovely country. From the lush green of the vineyards and orchards to the clay orange of the typical home, Tuscany sings its beauty in so many hues and tones.
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