Climbing the Torre Del Mangia or the Tower of the Eater (the eater bit is a reference to eating up profits) involves 400 steps up an ancient and extremely narrow stone staircase. Definitely not recommended for those who are a wee bit claustrophobic. Or those who suffer from delusions that they are supremely fit. Unfortunately, I qualify for both the above categories. But as they say, mind over matter. I survived the climb. And savoured the stupendous views of Siena from the top.