Siena

The next day was a day trip to Siena, just south of Florence. In the middle age Siena and Florence were competing neighbouring kingdoms. We caught a regional train, and from the Siena train station there is a long series of escalators to take up to the edge of the city centre. It seemed wierd at first because the escalators start in a shopping mall. From the top you get a view of the Tuscan countryside. 

You come near an old gate on the city wall, walk down quaint, medieval style street.

Arrive at Il Campo, the huge circular plazza in the heart of the city. Beside it is Siena's old city hall with its tower. 

We bought some food at a grocery store and made lunch, sitting outside. We then wandered a bit to find the Duomo. It is very easy to get lost, since there are no right angles and the streets seem to take you in circles. Eventually we found it and walked around the outside.

Walking back to the train station we took a side road and found a great view of the Duomo. Took the train to Florence. Walking back to the hotel we went into the Santa Trinita basilica, of the Vallumbrosan monks, which has an early gothic style inside and a crypt.

After getting back to the hotel,  we had dinner in the Santa Spirito plaza which has a lot of restaurants.