Travels in the 2nd half

Palazzo Pubblico - Siena   Siena, like most of Tuscany, is a wonderful place to walk. Its streets curve around each other, allowing new views to develop only as you stroll along. Siena is also full of churches that are beautiful gems, hidden away. So, on my last day in Siena, I walked through town, centering a visit to the Municipal Museum in a day of mindless wandering. My first stop was at St. Christopher’s Church on Piazza Tolomei. The church was originally built during the 13th century, and underwent major renovations due to damage during the 1798 earthquake. I had noticed St. Christopher’s on my first night in Siena, while waiting for a nearby restaurant to open. Inside, there are some beautiful pieces by Sienese artists. St. Christopher's Church Glory of St. Christopher by Giovanni Antonio Mazzuoli Madonna and Child with St. Luke and Romuald by Girolamo del Pacchia My one planned stop of the day was at the Municipal Museum , inside the Palazzo Pubblico . Built during the 13t...

  A rainy day in Siena meant I had to look for some indoor activities. After a morning visit to the city’s beautiful Duomo, I chose a couple of museums for the afternoon. My ticket to the Duomo included entrance to the Museo Opera della Metropolitan a. This museum houses art and architectural features that had been part of the Duomo over the past 800 years, but are no longer on display in the church. Many of these pieces were originally intended for the planned transept extension, in whose foot print the museum now sits. Construction on the extension was started in 1323, but it ended in 1348 during the Black Death, and never restarted. Paintings from the nave and chapels and statues that used to adorn the facade, fill the building. The highlight of the collection is a large stained glass rose window. Stained Glass Window by Duccio di Buoninsegna Christ advances to Pilate by Luca Giordano Saint Cosme in the Fiery Furnace by Raffaello Vanni San Bernardino preaching in the Piazza del ...