Il Portico dei Comuni d'Italia © 2013 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

What to see in Siena – Basilica di San Domenico and The Sanctuary of Saint Catherine

  “When you become who you were meant to be, you will set the world on fire.” — St. Catherine of Siena Visitors to Siena will see lots of references to Catherine of Siena, one of the city’s most venerated … Continue reading

Contrada dell'Oca Siena street scene © 2013 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

What to see in Siena – Contrade Celebrations

Founded in the Middle Ages for defense purposes, the Contrade di Siena are districts throughout the city, whose inhabitants were likely trade and craftsmen.  Originally there were about 59 contrade, of which only 17 remain active today.  Each contrada has its own motto, flag, … Continue reading

Duomo di Siena Exterior Mosaic © 2013 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

What to see in Siena – Il Duomo di Siena

Italy boasts an astounding number of spectacular churches filled with priceless art and intricate architectural features.  The Duomo di Siena, located in Piazza del Duomo, is no exception.  Considered to be ‘one of the most illustrious examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals’, the … Continue reading

Purchase tickets at Sita bus station in Florence © 2013 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Florence to San Gimignano to Siena – Getting there

In preparing for our recent trip to San Gimignano we spent some time researching transportion options.  We checked various websites which gave us conflicting information, making finding detailed information difficult and often confusing.  So, with what little we obtained in hand, we … Continue reading

San Gimignano Palazzo Comunale © 2013 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

What to do in San Gimignano – Palazzo Comunale & Torre Grossa

For such a small community, there’s quite a lot here.  Unfortunately, due to weather conditions and timing we didn’t get to all of them.   We did, however, stop in at the Palazzo Comunale and the Torre Grossa, two of San Gimignano’s main … Continue reading

Palazzo Pitti © 2013 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

What to do in Florence – Palazzo Pitti

If you’re heading to Florence and wander south of the River Arno into the Oltrarno area, you may notice the monumental fortress-like building on a small hill. This is the Palazzo Pitti, one of the city’s impressive, yet overwhelming, art … Continue reading