Siena, Italy

Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval cities, and one of the major drawcards for visitors to the popular regions of Umbria and Tuscany. The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is only accessible on foot. Siena's peak as a wealthy city-state dates back to the 13th-century, when the Duomo di Siena was completed along with the distinctly scallop-shaped Piazza del Campo, regarded as one of the finest public spaces in Europe. The town's university was founded in 1240, and to this day ranks as one of the most prestigious in Italy, while its student population enlivens the traditionally conservative local population.



 Amid the winding lanes of the medieval city are many gorgeous churches and museums, filled with artistic riches. Chief among these are the 13th-century Gothic-styled Chiesa di San Domenico and the imposing Fortezza Medicea; while the Sanctuary of St. Catherine's of Siena is a pilgrimage site for many seeking benefits from the reputedly miraculous crucifix it houses. All of Siena's streets are a delight to explore while on holiday but some of its most notable landmarks include the Torre de Mangia, Palazzo Pubblico, the Duomo, Palazzo Piccolomini, Pinacoteca Nazionale and Museo dell'Opera. Torre del Mangia is the bell tower to the left of Palazzo Pubblico which stands at 330ft (102m), the second highest in Italy.

       

 It is named after the first bell ringer who was known for his infuriating idleness. The Palazzo Pubblico still serves as Siena's town hall although sections of it are open to the public. The Palazzo Piccolomini, built in 1460 for the prosperous Piccolomini family, contains Sienese state archives and financial records. The Pinacoteca Nazionale gallery is noted for its collection of works by artists of the Siena School. Siena's spectacular Duomo is unsurpassed amongst Italy's churches, built in full Gothic style. The carved pulpit panels, by Nicola Pisano, are magnificent depictions from The Life of Christ. Many of the original statues on the church's façade are copies; the originals are in the  Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Events

Palio di Siena

Twice each year - on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August - the historic town of Siena comes alive for the historic horse race, the Palio di Siena. Held for the first time in 1656, the Palio is one of the most history-rich sporting events in the world and a magnificent display of pageantry: billowing buntings adorn the city's central square, and the riders still ride bareback, dressed in traditional clothes representing 10 of the city's 17 contrades (wards). The different contrades are notoriously competitive and the festival is a passionate affair which the locals take very seriously. The race takes place on a dirt track circling the Piazza del Campo and is a high-octane affair - it is not uncommon for riders to be thrown from their horses as they enter the sharp turns, and for horses to finish the race jockeyless. Apart from the horse race there are all sorts of other festivities to enjoy and it is ultimately a celebration of Siena's culture and history. If you plan on visiting Italy, and Tuscany, in the summer, be sure to include the Palio di Siena in your travel itinerary - it is a fantastic and exhilarating way to experience real Italian culture.