Siena, Piazza del Campo and Duomo
Web photo of the Piazza del Campo
Web photo of the Corso Palio
The Corso Palio (Horse Race dating back to 1656) is run twice a year in the Piazza del Campo. Ten riders and horses representing
10 of the 17 wards of Siena compete and the winning ward gets to display its flags throughout
the town until the next race. The race consists of three laps around the Campo and the winner usually completes
those laps in less than 90 seconds. We've heard that the Campo inside the track is completely filled with
people and the photo confirms it.
Web photo of the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia an early seat of democracy first
construction 1289 and 1325 respectively.
Torre del Mangia
Corner column decoration of the Palazzo Pubblico
People lounging in the Piazza del Campo
Siena Duomo
Interior of the Duomo
Interior of the Duomo dome
Detail of Duomo floor
Web photo of two wall scenes of the Piccolomini library
The Piccolomini Library is attached to the Duomo and is entered from it. All of the walls and the ceiling
contain frescoes painted by Bernardino di Betto (1454–1513). The visual impact of these frescoes is
completely stunning. They are very brightly colored and look as if they might have been painted earlier in the day we viewed
them. Hard to believe was information we found in the library that said that the frescoes had not be retouched
since they were painted (1502-1507). We must have misunderstood.
Piccolomini library ceiling
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