One of our most anticipated days was our trip to Siena to meet author,
Dario Castagno and tour Siena. We read several of Dario's books and Paul was able to contact him and arrange a very special tour of the
Nobil Contrada del Bruco (The Caterpillar). Dario explained how the city is divided into 17 neighborhoods that are represented by various coat of arms and colors. He explained how every contrada has its own church, community hall, small museum, and its own well.
More Photos Inside the Contrada
The leadership of the contrada of about 40 representatives are elected and oversee social and youth activities, care of the elderly festival participation but most importantly the duties of preparation for the Palio, a historic (beginning in 1238) horse race held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo. While a lot of money is spent by each contrada on the
Palio the only prize is a painted flag. The contrada proudly displays its spoils dating back centuries in their museums.
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These garments are very heavy! |
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| Baptismal Font for Nobil Contrada del Bruco |
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| Piazza del Campo |
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| A Really Old Wine Cellar! |
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| Duomo di Siena |
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