Day 11, Florence and Sienna

Medici Library

We began the day in Florence with a private visit to the Medici Library which was designed by Michelangelo. The library itself is beautiful, but we had an awe inspiring private showing of the original Soncino illuminated Tanach and other books from the library collection. To see these texts from the 1400s actually takes my breath away. 

               Entrance to the library

           Ceiling of main reading room

                 Illuminated Tanach

Siena

Siena - I've longed to see Siena for so many years. In fact, it was many years ago when my colleague, Anne Coon, spent three months in Siena writing poetry, that I first heard of Siena. It sounded magical and that is what it turned out to be!  From the twisting streets climbing up to the Duomo to the Piazza del Campo main square, I enjoyed every sight, sound, and smell.  The Duomo is a lavishly decorated Church done in the Moorish style of Spain.  It reminded me of the Mesquita in Cordoba, Spain, with its striped pillars.  

                       The Duomo

The opulence of the church contrasted with the simple windows of houses in the old city, often displaying drying laundry next to flower pots.  The many archways and alleyways made for wonderful photos. 

After a lovely lunch (today Haim actually gave us an entire hour to eat!!!) in the Piazza del Campo, we proceeded to the Synagogue of Siena for a study session with Haim and Anna di Castro, a Roman Jew who now works for the Synagogue and Museum of Siena.  Anna gave us a brief background of the history of Jewish life in Siena.  Today there only 50 Jews living in the Siena area.  

Terra de Seta Winery

A treat for the end of the day was a drive through the Tuscan countryside to the only Kosher Winery in Tuscany.  

We did a wine and cheese tasting which was a great way to end the day.  

Back to Florence for a quick dinner and a good night's sleep.  Tomorrow we will spend exploring Florence and we will see Michelangelo's statue of David.