the Duomo in Siena is one of the most spectacular churches in Italy
this was Andy's first visit to Siena, and he was understandably dazzled by the Duomo
the white, green, and red polychrome marble facade is modest compared to the density of artwork inside
everywhere you look
the first time I visited the Libreria Piccolomini, I was mesmerized by the enormous meticulous beautiful illuminated manuscripts
this time I took in the extraordinary frescoes on the walls and ceilings
the last time I was in Siena, four years ago, the crypt had only recently been discovered -- fantastically vivid murals whose colors had not been exposed or seen in centuries were just beginning to peek through. Now much more of the room has been excavated, the frescoes restored
also since the last time I was here, they've opened a walkway along the top of the arch of what was intended to be the Nuovo Duomo
we had to wait in line for half an hour to go up, but it was worth it for the panoramic view
another eye opens 
October 25, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Che bellissime foto!
October 26, 2011 at 10:01 am
Beautiful photos Don. You probably know that the city is divided into neighborhoods all w/ symbolic representation. I particularly liked spotting the snails in their neighborhood – geese were flying the flags when we were there this summer having just won the first palio.
November 2, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Thanks, Amy! Yes, and even though the Palio had come and gone this year, we saw some boys being drilled by their father on the fine points of flagging.