On July 17, 1552, an anti-Spanish revolt erupted in the Republic of Siena, as citizens rose against the Spanish garrison stationed in the city on behalf of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. The uprising came during a period of intense rivalry between European powers seeking influence in Italy.

Supported by France, a Franco-Sienese army moved against the occupying forces and successfully drove the Spanish troops out of Siena. The victory restored the republic’s independence for a time and marked a significant challenge to Habsburg power in central Italy.

He'd left Rose in Torino and rented a bike (an Enduro) to get him from there to Lucca, where he'd catch the ferry to Elba. Get the fuck away, stick his feet in the sand. Shame that was going to be marked by one of the most weighted meetings of his immortal life, at least so far, but there wasn't going to be any deterring Casimir when he had a bug in his bonnet.

He chose Siena to stop the night in--better hotels than Arezzo, and bigger population. Easier to feed, easier to stay anonymous with his blonde hair. He loved Tuscany, and Siena was no exception. He'd missed the Palio by two weeks, but he'd seen it before. Shame to miss the crowds, but the city was the beauty it had ever been.

But that night, like so many lately, held its own surprises.

He'd been crossing via Banchi di Sotto, heading towards Palazzo Piccolomini, when he caught the unearthly heartbeat on the wind, the sheen of dark hair from afar. Another vampire, yes, but this heartbeat he knew. Hadn't heard it in centuries, no, not since the 17th, but a familiar rhythm. He froze against a building, gently opening his mind.

Your territory, then? Hadn't known you were alive to claim it, Frate.

First day to explore Siena where we are staying for a few days. Our hotel is a 2km walk to city centre a good 35 mins walk mainly slightly downhill entering the old city through Porta Camollia. It was a pleasant walk despite it being hot but once in the old town the hilly nature of the place comes to the fore and it was hard work. Our main aim was to locate the meeting point for various trips we are doing which we did first and then had a nice pizza in the centre.

Another travel day though beautiful countryside back from Perugia to Florence then Florence to Siena as you simply can't do cross country here presumably due to the mountains. So after another chocolate heaven breakfast we got a taxi to the station, train left on time and trundled along promptly, important to us as we only had 8 minutes to change platform in Florence. Then we stopped at the last station before Florence main station and eventually we found out the train was going no further (announcements solely in italian for a change). So off we get and find out there's a shuttle bus going. All fine and we resigned ourselves to missing our connection got on the bus, headed through the narrow streets and eventually arrived at the main Florence railway station and luckily the trains to Siena were hourly so on we hop and arrive in Siena just an hour late.

Our hotel is part of the Marriot chain 2km ish out of town high on a hill with beautiful rooms and grounds. Initial shock was they gave us the key to the wrong room which I opened to find a naked young man standing there!!! Opps back to reception and yes allocated the wrong room lol!!

The Palio di Siena

July 2nd: The Palio di Provenzano