We were going to Siena and San Gimignano and I was told there was going to be a ton of walking. However I chose the matching rather than the sensible shoes. I knew it was going to be a long, hot day the moment I stepped off the bus in my cute, golden, gladiator sandals.
Our tour started at the St. Catherine’s Basilica. Inside, the guide explained to us about the different clans that make up Siena. We also got to see the thumb, yes the actual thumb, of St. Catherine. The inside of the church was the first glimpse of the art that waited me in the rest of my trip.
After St. Catherine’s we walked…and walked… and walked! Uphill, downhill, left, right, straight; you name it we walked it. We also got to go on what felt like the longest escalator ride in the world. It was five separate escalators. I’d say it took a solid two minutes to get to the top. That doesn’t seem long but remember it was an escalator.
Once we reached the top of a giant staircase we got to go inside the Siena Duomo (if you ever visit be sure to dress appropriately or you’ll have to wear a cover up that resembles a giant dryer sheet). The inside of the church was breathtaking in every aspect. It was huge and every inch of it was beautifully decorated. Paintings, sculptures, and murals covered everything from the floor to the ceiling. My favorite part was the Piccolomini Library. Giant books with elaborate and beautiful illustrations? That would be a yes!
Following the Siena Duomo we had a break for lunch where I almost saw a fight break out. I think it had to do with the sitting fee. So when you come over here don’t get hot under the collar when you’re charged for sitting in a restaurant. It didn’t seem worth the fight.
We left Siena and went straight for San Gimignano. It was a gorgeous little city and the pictures I captured of the scenery hardly do it justice. Since we were free to wander and explore, my friend and I spent the afternoon poking around in almost every shop that lined the uphill strip. We also saw a few torture museums that looked really interesting to visit, but we only had 2 hours and I didn’t want to miss any of the shops or sights.
By the end of our trip you might assume that my feet were killing me, but I’m happy to report that they were hardly bothering me at all. I was lucky this time, but in the future if my sensible shoes happen to also match then I’m just going to wear those.