Hill Towns

This was our view as we drove toward ....

Then as we looked back down from the walls.

Our walk'about thru this hill town.

Walk'about of nearby Monteriggioni est.1213.

.....our dining place.

Drive to Siena

We drove from Lucca this morning, past Florence, then took the wine winding route south to Siena.

I enjoyed viewing the vineyards 'n villas 'n villages.
And...Jim sure enjoyed driving those winding hilltop roads!

This is Chianti Classico Territory.

Arrived @ Siena...Piazzo del Campo

The Piccolomini Library...with brilliant colored fresco ceiling!  Never restored...just as it was done in 1450's!

The illuminated hymnals are still my favorite...
They are the large books on the ledge around the library above.
View close up of calligraphy + details below. 
Sorry...the reflections are result of glass shields

Pisa ...a surprise

Pisa...we have arrived !!
The Baptistery, the Cathedral, and the Leaning Tower

The Baptistery interior....just us !

The Cathedral ....

....with a fabulous interior !

and...only us!

the Leaning Tower and .....there I am!

Our empty shuttle bus back to parking lot.
 We visited on the perfect "wet, stormy day"
...others stayed away. Lucky us!

Lucca

This walled city was originally established by the Romans.

The 2.5 mile paved area on top of the wall is enjoyed by residents....and us visitors.

Protection towers for family residences.
in the 1300's there were about 160.  Now only a few remain. 
And churches!! There were 70 of them within the walls.

We visited only a few...this was Jim's favorite. Eclectic exterior. 

And my favorite above...each column is different !

Silk was Lucca's industry..
in 1500's there were 3,000 looms with 25,000 workers.

Their musee had lovely items from that period.

Florence Favorites

#1 The Duomo.....and the fabulous interior ceiling of dome.

Then the Baptistery...it's ceiling is below

Doors of the Baptistery

....and the restored doors which
are now displayed in the Duomo Museum.

closer view

Palazzo/Palace Vecchio

 Inside is the 13,000 sq.ft "Grand Hall"...what a ceiling!

Closer view below

Michelangelo's last work...Pieta

And of course....his David @ the Accademia