Busy day seeing the artistic sights of Siena yesterday. One of my Vic university classmates arrived on Friday afternoon for a couple of nights so Maddi being here was a great incentive to get out and about. After an evening stroll and dinner at home Friday, yesterday we were out almost all day.

We started with the Duomo and its associated sights which included the crypt, baptistry, museum and what remains of what was intended to be a massive extension of the Duomo which gives a magnificent viewpoint over the city. Our combined ticked also included entrance to Santa Maria dalla Scala, originally a hospital housed in a large, very old building across the piazza from the Duomo.

The Duomo is impressive – an amazing space, and the crypt and baptistry had some interesting frescos and sculpture. Santa Maria was a big rabbit warren, and one of the oddest museum experiences – some wonderful frescos and religious treasures, but also odd chapels and exhibits spread through four levels including basements. Exploring the basement levels it felt like you could get lost and not get out again – signage was not a strong point!

Then after a brief stop for lunch Maddi and I headed off to the Palazzo Pubblico to see the frescos representing good and bad governance. Having climbed to the Panorama dal Facciatone, we didn’t climb the Torre del Mangia – but it’s on my list to do before I leave!

Last night we headed out to a place John and I had tried which serves good, traditional italian food. Lots of folk out and about for Saturday night.

Maddi caught the bus to Florence this morning, so it’ll be a catch-up day today – washing and homework.