Our last stop.  No question about the medieval origins of Sienna. The historic section is divided into 17 or 18 neighborhoods each with its own animal symbol (panther, rhinoceros), colors, civic leader who baptizes babies born in the neighborhood (not a religious baptism) and church.  The neighborhoods have rivalries and clear identities and twice every year there is a horse race with elaborate rules held in the main piazza which is covered with at least a foot of sand for the event.  It seems so quaint and bizarre and tribal but the citizens are really into it.

It poured as it did in the beginning of the trip.

The Sienna Cathedral is truly breathtaking —the floors, the sculpture, the parchments with music notations, the building itself. And the view out to the Tuscan hills from our hotel room was outstanding.