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 SienaThe incomparable scenic beauty of the Chianti lands, patchwork of vines and olive trees, the huge variety of landscapes characterize the incredible territory of Siena. Towards the south, Orcia and Chiana valley complete this amazing area. The city of Siena is the heart of this extraordinary geographical and environmental repertory, where every town, village or hamlet contains art treasures and historical evidence of priceless value. According to the legend, Siena was founded by Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, famous twin brother of Romulus, with whom he founded Rome. In fact, statues of the wolf feeding the twins can be spotted everywhere in the city... but they have been made without any historical foundation ;-) Siena is indeed the most uniquely intact city of Tuscany, the town where each stone has remained in the same place throughout the ages. Located in the very centre of Tuscany, is the perfect starting point to easily reach many Tuscan cities, villages and tourist attractions: Florence, Lucca, Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Massa Marittima, Montepulciano, San Galgano Abbey and many more. The well-preserved medieval streets and piazzas are the lovely setting of the annual popular Palio festival, a risky horse race that takes place in Siena's main square: the "Campo". The city is divided into "terzi", or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as "contradas". The contradas are 17, and each one has its own appellation, chapel and flag: all of them are represented during the festival and take part to the competition to win the Palio. You will plausibly cover the city's centre within the walls on foot...Siena has plenty of monuments and museums that would delight anybody. The Terzo di Camollia, for example, contains the gigantic and shadowy Basilica of St Francesco, dating from the late 13th century; the rival Dominican church, the Basilica of St Domenico; the Sanctuary of St Catherine of Siena; the former Medici Fortress, which is now a pleasant and panoramic public park. Piazza del Campo, also simply known as "il Campo", is a must: the centenary heart of Siena, a sloping amphitheatre, lined with café tables and restaurants and thronged with tourists, school parties and locals. In the middle of the piazza, you will find Palazzo Pubblico (1250) which is the City Hall, where you'll admire some fine frescoes. At the ticket office in the internal courtyard you can buy a range of tickets. These give access to almost all Siena's attractions, and some of them are valid for several days: a good way to save money, if you're planning a longer stay! A combined ticket for a few Euro gives you access to the Museo Civico inside the Palazzo, and also to the imposing bell-tower, the Torre del Mangia. The tower is an excellent way to view Siena, the panoramas over the town and countryside are breathtaking and unforgettable... it's something that just people in good health conditions can do! Climb up to the highest bell is quite hard, indeed. Moving on to the museum, highlights include superb frescoes by Simone Martini, whose Maestà religious scene is one of the oldest examples of Senese painting and glows with colour and life. Even more fascinating is a fresco by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1319-1348), the Allegories of Good and Bad Government. Also worth seeing are an exquisite rose-tree made of gold (a gift to Siena from a Pope), and some beautiful carved choir stalls with religious illustrations (one fine example shows the dead clambering from their graves on Judgement Day). One of Siena's remarkable landmarks is the Duomo,with its black-and-white striped marble façade and a Romanesque lower section, and the inlaid marble floor features works depicting biblical stories. A few ruined walls and arches remain to show the magnificence of the cathedral's uncompleted design due to the plague and wars, which would have created one of the largest churches in the world. The Duomo is free to visit; although there is a small charge to visit the Piccolomini Library, (off to the left of the nave), where charming courtly scenes by Pinturicchio recount the life story of Sienese Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pius II). Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is located on the corner of the Duomo. This museum is home to sacred works of art dating from 1300 to 1500, including those by the famous Duccio. One reason why you should swing by here is the snaky, incredibly high staircase that leads up to an outdoor walkway, from which you get a panoramic view of Siena. Santuario di Santa Caterina da Siena, which is the ancient St Catherine's home: inside it, you'll find the "Oratorio della Cucina" and "Oratorio della Camera", respectively kitchen and and personal bedroom of the Siena's patron saint.
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Other towns in the area: Arezzo, Asciano, Badia a Ruoti, Badia Agnano, Bagni di Lucca, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Bucine, Casole d'Elsa, Castelfiorentino, Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga , Castiglion Fiorentino, Castiglioncello, Certaldo, Cetona, Chianciano Terme, Chiusi, Civitella della Chiana, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Cortona, Empoli, Figline Valdarno, Florence, Foiano della Chiana, Gaiole in Chianti, Gambassi Terme, Ghizzano, Greve in Chianti, Lamporecchio, Laterina , Lucca, Lucignano, Marciano della Chiana, Empoli, Molazzana, Montaione, Montalcino, Monte San Savino, Montecatini-Terme, Montefollonico, Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, Montisi, Nievole, Panzano in Chianti, Pienza, Pieve Fosciana, Pisa, Pistoia, Pitigliano, Poggibonsi, Poppi, Porciano, Pozzo della Chiana, Rignano sull'Arno, Rigomagno, Rosignano Solvay, San Baronto, San Casciano dei Bagni, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, San Gimignano, San Miniato, San Quirico d'Orcia, Sarteano, Scandicci, Seravezza, Sinalunga, Sorano, Torrita di Siena, Trequanda, Vagliagli, Viareggio, Volterra |
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