After a few days of blissful relaxation we decided to explore the area around our Hotel Castello La Leccia. Castellina in Chianti is a beautiful Tuscan town up the hill. 

Quiet streets in the afternoon were perfect for leisurely exploration.

A fascinating contemporary bronze by the old fountain.

After a little research we had our hotel book an early dinner reservation for dinner on  the terrace at Taverna Squarcialupi. Restaurants usually open around 7 or 7:30 PM and Italians usually eat even later.  I find we receive a little more attention by our waiter on early bookings as they are not as busy.

The evening was warm, the view sublime, and the Asperol Spritz….fantastic!

Marla was a very happy lady!

Marla had a zucchini flower risotto with sausage and fresh mint.

I loved the ravioli in a wild boar ragu!

The Tagliata (sliced sirloin) was beautifully seasoned with arugula and a little Pecorino cheese. Amazing with a glass or two of Chianti Riserva Gran Selezione!

The next day we ventured 17 miles south of our hotel to Siena. My last visit to Siena was three years ago. On that trip I cycled with an inflamed knee up to town, hot, and exhausted from hours of riding brutal Tuscan hills. I was so tired I could barely drag my way around town! This year was exceedingly more enjoyable! 

The wall plaque shows the flags of the 17 Siena Contrade.  Each district has their own flags and compete in the famous Palio di Siena. 

Contrade flags.

The Siena Cathedral is one of Europe’s most magnificent Gothic Cathedrals and filled with many treasures by important artists. The towering campanile is in the Romanesque style. It was built over an earlier Roman temple around 1215. The church was supposed to be much larger but the Black Plague hit the city in 1348, decimating the population. Work was never restarted. 

We visited in early September so it was not terribly crowded. One is awestruck with the majesty of the interior architecture. The black and white marble columns represent the civic colors of Siena.

The interior is a visual feast worthy of a long visit to soak up the majesty of this sacred Cathedral. 

While you have been craning your neck looking up, don’t forget to look down! If you tour the cathedral from July till autumn you will be able to see the most fabulous mosaic floor tiles from the the 14th to the 19th centuries. In other times of the year the floors are covered for protection. The image above is the famous Sienese She-Wolf Legend.

The ceiling of the Piccolomini Library is amazing!

The interior domes of the Cathedral are wonderful in their detail and construction!

The marble pulpit was made by Nicola Pisano in 1265

The Cathedral altar.

The Cathedral pipe organ.

Fabulous artistry is everywhere you look!

Marla lights a candle in honor of a friend.

We had lunch overlooking the Piazza del Campo, considered one of Europe’s greatest Medieval squares.

I had to stop for some gelato on the way back to the parking garage.

I hope you enjoyed my posts on wonderful Tuscany. Looking back at the images brought back many fabulous memories. If you need travel ideas and tips please contact me at gentryconnects@gmail.com

Photos: Dick Gentry