When I visited Siena
and San Gimignano with my study abroad group two years ago, the medieval towns
were two of my favorite places. They are so unique and well preserved that you
can’t help but be amazed by them. Unfortunately, I spent my day sitting on
cathedral stoops because I hadn’t totally recovered from the food poisoning the
night before.
First, we spent an
hour in San Gimignano. One of modern-day San Gimignano’s claims to fame is the
world champion gelato shop in the town square. Its primary source of income is
tourism, and on any given day, thousands of visitors come in and out of the
walls of the city.
Next, we arrived in
Siena. Siena is most famous for the palio races that take place every June and
August in the center of the city. Horses and jockeys from each neighborhood of
Siena compete in a 90-second race. From what I’ve heard, it’s one of the
coolest things to watch. When the horse races aren’t happening, the center of
the city becomes a huge plaza where little kids play soccer, study abroad
students picnic with bottles of wine and food, and families come to take
pictures.
Since I still wasn’t
feeling up to par, a lot of the pictures below are from my sister’s camera. I’m
so glad I had the chance to see these two towns before this trip because you
definitely don’t want to miss them if you ever visit Italy.
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