Siena is in the center of Tuscany in northern Italy, about halfway between Rome and Milan. UNESCO has declared the city's center a World Heritage Site. Siena's history dates back to the Etruscan occupation between 900-400 BC. Legend has it that the city's founders were the sons of Remus, who was killed by his brother Romulus, the co-founder of Rome. The sons fled Rome taking the statue of the wolf that suckled the brothers with them. This has become the town symbol and its colors are black and white. The town is a popular tourist destination with several churches, museums, restaurants and squares to explore.
Piazza del Campo
Much symbolism was incorporated into the design of the Main Square in Siena. It was placed at the point at which the boundaries of three original hilltop towns met. Piazza del Campo is divided into 9 sections, each representing one of the ruling governors.
Duomo
The Cathedral of Siena faces another piazza, above the Paizza Del Campo. It is a Gothic structure which took from 1215 to 1263 to complete. The duomo was built in the shape of a Latin cross and has one bell tower and a dome. The Duomo facades are adorned with paintings and numerous carvings.
Opera della Metrpolitana di Siena
Since before the Duomo was constructed, Opera della Metrpolitana di Siena has been charged with caring for the site. It has taken on many legal forms over the centuries and is currently a non-profit organization.
Historic Centre
The 170 hectare area within the 7km long walls of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This portion of the city is the embodiment of an authentic medieval city. The Historic Centre has a unity of design that is a testament to creativity and civilization.
Torre del Mangia
Torre del Mangia is part of the Palazzo Pubblico, the civic centre on the Piazza del Compo.
Baptistry of San Giovanni
The parish church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the early part of the 14th century. The interior has three naves with 12 panels of frescoes in the vaulted ceilings above them.
Baptistry of San Giovanni , Piazza Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena, Phone: +39-05-77-28-30-48
Civic Museum
Civic Museum is on the first floor of the town hall, the Palazzo Pubblico. It is accessible through a courtyard, the Cortile del Podesta which also leads to the tower.
Piazza del Campo, 1, 53100 Siena
Fonte Gaia
Fonte Gaia is situated in the Piazza del Campo. Its name means Fountain of Joy, so called because the residents reacted with joy when they first saw water gushing out of it.
Santa Maria della Scala
Santa Maria della Scala is situated opposite the cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo. It was formerly a civic hospital for the orphaned and indigent, and pilgrims on their way to Rome.
Piazza Duomo 1,Siena, Italia, Phone: 05-77-53-45-04
The Palio
The Palio is the most important event in Siena. It takes place over two days, on 2 July and 16 August.
La Taverna di San Guiseppe
La Taverna di San Guiseppe is set in a cellar that was formerly an Etruscan house. It is 300 meters away from the Piazza del Campo, in the historic heart of the city.
Castel Monastero
Set 23 km from Siena, in the Tuscan hills, is a restored castle which is now a hotel with 74 rooms, Castel Monastero. The view of the vineyards, woods, fields and cypress avenues is straight out of a Medieval fresco.
Tre Cristi
Tre Cristi is set in a 15th century building close to the center of the historic part of the city. The décor reflects the 1920s in Siena, with reproduction frescoes on the walls. The food also harks back to that era.
