Siena, Italy

Siena is a medieval, hilltop city whose walls enclose a maze of narrow, winding streets that have survived virtually unchanged since the 16th century and earlier.  The paint colour 'burnt sienna' originates from the reddish brown colour of the soil in the area.  We stayed in the old town within the city walls, which was a wonderful experience.  Like many popular tourist attractions it has been overwhelmed by tourists, and vehicles are restricted.  Getting to and from our accommodation with our luggage meant a combination of bus and walking over a lot of cobblestones!

The curved narrow streets.

I climbed the 400 or so steps up the bell tower of the civic building in the main square.  This was taken from about half way up and shows the amazing duomo, one of dozens of churches.

From the top, looking down on the curved streets.

Looking down on Piazza del Campo, a huge sloping oval public place, lined by cafes and restaurants.  That's a fountain in the centre fore-ground.