From Santa Caterina to Trattoria Papei

We started out the day at the Basilica di San Dominica, a huge brick structure near our room with special ties to St Caterina. There is a special chapel dedicated to her here and reliquaries with her thumb and head. I am sort of getting used to reliquaries.

Then on to the Sanctuario Casa di Santa Caterina which we can see from our window. The Sanctuario consists of a lot of tributes to her, two chapels, a gift shop and her actual house.

Santa Caterina de Siena (1347-1380) was the last of 25 children born into a family of wool dyers. She was noted to be saintly from her early childhood and became famous for her visions. She became a dominican nun and worked for peace in her time persuading the pope to return to Rome from France where he had taken refuge from the constant wars in Italy. She did a great deal to pacify at least Italy and was made a Saint by Pope Pius the second who just happened to be from Siena. She became the patron saint of Siena and then of all of Italy. The bookmark I got said she is also the patron saint of all of Europe now.

Outside the Sanctuario there was a painting of the virgin and child with the child petting a goose. This is part of the goose contrada and the painting was very charming.

Then back to the Piazza del Campo. We learned in our wanders yesterday that the fountain had eroded to stubs and this is a replica. All the more amazing for the work of restoration that was done so we can enjoy this ancient wonder. The water is ancient Roman Aqueduct water--potable.

William feeds the pigeons some stale bread.

Time for lunch and we went back to Antica Trattoria "Papei". This is a great place not in either Steves or Fodor's. They have inexpensive typical Tuscan food done very well and the hospitality is unmatched. Go to Piazza del Mercato 6 and ask for Paolo.