Siena Italy Medieval Life And Horse Racing

I taly has many well-known         view the Duomo Cathedral that      travel destinations such as     towers over the city. Unlike       Rome. Less publicized           other cities, the cathedral does   destinations such as Siena are        not contrast with the buildings    even better.                          around it. All of Siena retains                                          the gothic medieval architectural  Sienna                                style and you'll be hard pressed                                         to find a better gothic example    Located roughly an hour outside       in Europe.                         of Florence, Siena is one of my                                          favorite places in Italy. When        The best way to experience Siena   you think gothic architecture and     is to simply stay there. Like      medieval town, you think of           wine, Siena improves the longer    Siena. Built as a fortified city      you stay. Daily explorations lead  behind large, thick walls on a        to surprising little shops,        small mountain, Siena oozes           incredibly friendly people and a   history. Cars are barred from         general feeling of peace.          much of the city, so you can                                             meander down ancient brick            Il Palio                           alleyways below towering                                                 wall-to-wall residences.              If you prefer a little action on                                         your trip, Siena has an event      In Siena, you'll find a relaxed       that rivals any in Europe. The Il  way of life, two music schools        Palio bareback horse race around   and just a general feel of what       the Piazza del Campo is a sight    Italy must have been like in the      to be seen. The fun starts well    past. Head to the Piazza del          before the race when various       Campo in the heart of the city        neighborhoods challenge each       and grab a seat in a café. As        other. The challenge comes in the  you gaze across the city, you can     form of bands walking through      "enemy" neighborhoods in the          people. The running of the bulls   middle of the night and making an     has nothing on this event.         unholy racket. Eventually, each                                          neighborhood produces a horse and     If you visit Florence while in     rider for the day of the race.        Italy, take the time to spend a    Bareback, the riders race for         couple days in Siena. In fact,     neighborhood pride among an           blow past Florence and go          absolutely screaming crowd of         immediately to Siena.              About the Author: Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories. Source: www.isnare.com