Siena’s Torre Del Mangia, means "tower of the eater." It derives its name from its first guardian who had a notoriously voracious appetite and spent all of his money on food.

Brendan, the youngest member of our touring party, quickly tired of shopping and eating and wanted a little adventure. His dad suffers from mild claustrophobia, but agreed to take him to the top of tower. My boyfriend I could tell he was turning a little green under the collar, so we suggested that we tag along. The line was long and after a 45 minute wait we slowly ascended the stair case.

Once we reached the tower all of the adults started to freak. It was so narrow that you couldn’t’ even pass people on the stairs safely. Before we could even question our decision our 8 year old friend was up the stairs like a shot.

Tall people, beware! You’ll need to crouch up the stairs. I barely cleared the first few flights at 5”4. Regardless, I’m glad that Brendan made the decision for us and we didn’t chicken out. It was my favorite site in Siena. The views of the city from the top of the tower are unparalleled and an uneasy sense of togetherness is forged with the other claustrophobic adults dragged along by their children and grandchildren.