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Siena is about an hour’s bus ride from Florence. We took the bus because it goes right into the middle of the old city, whereas from the train a taxi is needed. We had been to Siena before, and loved it, so we just wanted to see some favorite sights again. We began with this dramatic entrance into the old piazza, still the site of the annual palio which has been Siena’s signature event for over 5 centuries.
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The Cathedral in Siena is as large and as overwhelmingly lavish as any we have ever seen. There is amazing art and sculpture, and the system for tourist exploration is excellent. Donatello’s emaciated John the Baptist reminded us of his Mary Magdalene in Florence’s Bargello.
Donatello's emaciated sculptures
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Siena’s Baptistry also features reliefs by Donatello.
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TRAVEL with pat and lew 