The Hilltowns

We took a day trip for Architecture today. We went to the towns situated on the hills outside of florence. These included Monteriggione, Pienza and then Siena. Each town was more beautiful than the last. We mostly studied the piazze outside of the main medieval municipal buildings. Our teachers seem to want us to pay particular attention to the relationship between the built environment and the natural environment, and also how the space around a structure effects/enhances its function. It was really nice to get away from the overwhelming tourism in Florence. Admittedly, it was hard to focus on sketching when every place you went had an absolutely spectacular view. Luckily, my teacher said we will return to Siena.

Monteriggione

These two pictures are from Monteriggione. A town that is
probably smaller than a football field. It is one of the only
towns that is still enclosed by it's medieval walls.
This herringbone slope was very slippery!

 
Pienza

 The view below is from Palazzo Piccolomini (once the home of Pope Piccolomini). This town was also small, but bigger than Monteriggione. It was very cute and reminded me a little bit of San Giminiano.

Siena

The Cathedral at Siena

The Palazzo Pubblico

This is the view from the loggia at the Palazzo Publico. When we return to Siena, we're going to go all the way to the top of the tower! I can't even imagine that view.