Departing from Rome going north, we reach Siena,.The medieval city surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks.
Of course, the world-famous Palio of Siena is an important part of Sienese identity, history and culture (the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August).
Famous are Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia and the Duomo. The city of masterpieces by Martini, Lorenzetti and Boninsegna, with its beautiful churches and old Basilicas, the noble palaces Tolomei, Piccolomini and Salimbeni.
In just about every part of Siena, there are le fonti, "fountains" -- big or small, massive or elegant, charming or historical -- to sit by and admire.
Fonte Gaia is considered to be "the queen of Sienese fountains" both for for its central position, Piazza del Campo, also as a work of art. The panels of the fountain,completed by Jacopo della Quercia between 1409 and 1419, are considered to be fine examples of Italian sculpture for that period.
Cited by Dante in Canto 30 of the Inferno, Fontebranda is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the Sienese fountains. This fountain is associated with the birth and early life of Saint Catherine, and she is for this reason is known as the Saint of Fontebranda. Today, Fontebranda is a site for outdoor concerts and dance performances during the summer.
Gothic art, thanks to the contact occurred during the fourteenth century, with France and Venice, is one of Siena's most fascinating feature.
One of its most interesting example is the famous cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, as well the Duomo and some elements of the Town Hall located in Piazza del Campo.
Siena, with its uniquely preserved medieval architecture, satisfies every art lover and many others as well. From tiny piazzas shared by you and a couple of pigeons to stately 14th and 15th century buildings, there is always something to notice and admire. Limited traffic within the city centre enhances your experience and adds to the feeling of stepping back in time into a medieval world.
Art is what has most influenced Siena, making it one of the most visited tourist city: Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, Palazzo Comunale and the Torre del Mangia attract visitors from around the world.
Another attractions of Siena is wine and food, with the Italian Wine Cellar, located in the Medici Fortress, with the sausages and the ancient Sienese sweets, like ricciarelli, gingerbread, the copate and cavalucci.
