Siena

Introduction

La Torre

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Siena in Tuscany, also spelled Sienna, is one of the most stunning hill top towns in all of Italy. The traditional rival of Florence this city is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its rival. It is sad because Siena is amazing city in its own right with one of the best old towns in all of Italy and the stunning central plaza of Piazza del Campo should not be missed. Especially if your lucky enough to catch of the amazing horse race of The Palio held in it twice a year.

Brief History

The city area was first settled during the first millennium BC as an Etruscan village. Although the city was not mentioned in Roman records until AD 70. The cities Roman origins can still be seen in the town's emblem of a female wolf breast feeding the infants of Romulus and Remus. Local legends hold that Siena was founded by Senius a son of Remus. No one is really sure if this is were Siena gets its name because there have been many other Siena sounding groups or events in the towns history.

Under Roman rule the city was a bit of backwater but it grew in power when roads had to rerouted to avoid Byzantine raids along the coast. This also brought many Christian pilgrims into the city on their way to Rome, giving Siena additional wealth. This led to the erosion of the power of the church and by 1179 Siena had written its own constitution and founded a republic. The 13th and 14th century were considered the high times in Siena society even with the occasional war with Florence.

Sadly during the 15th and 16th century city's power declined and the Spanish conquered Siena with the help of Florence in 1555. King Charles of Spain owned so much money to the powerful Florentine Medici family that he gave Siena and some coastal areas to Florence adding to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Thus marking the end of the Republic of Florence.

Neighbourhoods

Most of the tourist sights are located within the old town. The old town is pretty easy to navigate by foot.

Sights and Activities

Siena cathedral interior

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Siena Cathedral

Siena Cathedral, in Italian Duomo di Siena, is the main church in Siena. This cathedral was built between 1215 to 1263 in the shape of a latin cross. The interior and exterior are designed with white and greenish black marble in altering stripes, these are symbolic colors to Siena. There is also red marble on the façade. On the outside of the church the erie remains of a started expansion can be seen when walking around the exterior on the south end of the church. This expansion would have doubled the size of the church was only stopped because of the bubonic plague in 1348. The inside has great artwork and several interesting relics including a depiction of the Slaughter of the Innocents.

Other Churches

• Basilica dell'Osservanza - Located on the outskirts of town this church was built in 1490 and has a Renaissance style with a Baroque feel. The church was totally destroyed during World War II and was completely rebuilt form photos and evidence from monks.
• Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi, also known as Can Clement, is an interesting church with several styles represented in it.
• Basilica of San Domenico, also known as Basilica Cateriniana, was built between 1226 and 1265 but was enlarged in the 14th century giving it a Gothic make over. Interesting the interior is lined up on an Egyptian cross.
• Basilica of San Francesco was built in the 13th century and has an Egyptian Cross floor plan. The present day interior looks more neo-Gothic then the original construction.
• Santo Spirito has a nice Renaissance style portal and was built in 1504.
• San Martino was built in the 12th century with the facade complete in 1613 and tower in 1738.

Other Sights and Activities

• Piazza del Campo, located at the centre of town, is one of the most splendid plaza's in all of Italy. It is also the location of The Palio, an amazing horse race.
• Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall, is located right on the Piazza del Campo. Its stunning tower, Torre del Mangia, can be seen anywhere in the city and gives an impressive feel. The interior is filled with amazing public art mainly from the Republic period with strong feelings of freedom and liberty. Several hours can be spent looking at these fine examples of political art.
• Monte dei Paschi di Siena, located on Piazza del Campo, is the oldest continuous bank in existence.

Events and Festivals

• Palio di Siena is one of the most intense horse races in the entire world. The different districts of the city compete in this festival to have control of the city centre. 10 riders, wearing the right colors, represent the 16 different districts and the horse to cross the line first, even without the rider, is considered the winner. Held twice a year on July 2nd and August 16, this even is extremely popular and make sure to book seats and hotel rooms far in advance.

Weather

Siena's weather is comparable to the average weather in Italy. A Mediterranean climate with mild but wet winters and dry and warm/hot summers, with temperatures mostly around 30 °C from June to early September. Winters can get quite cold sometimes and a sweater or jacket is absolutely necessarry. Snow is rare.

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is in Florence.

By Train

It is possible to reach Siena by train from Florence and Pisa, although it requires a change in Empoli. Remember to note that the train station is located at the bottom of the hill outside the city walls. If you have lots of luggage you might want to take taxi

By Car

By Bus

Buses come and go from Piazza Gramsci, located within the old town. Buses go directly from Florence, near the Florence train station, and takes an hour. It is also possible to get buses to and from Rome, 3 hours, and Milan, 4.5 hours.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Post Italiane is the national postal services of Italy and has quite an efficient network of postal offices and reliable postal services. Standard letters and postcards (up to 20 grams) cost €0.39 to send within Europe and the Mediterranean countries outside Europe and €0.41 to all other destinations throughout the country. Up to 50 grams, prices start at €0.52 for Europe, €0.62 for other areas. Packages start at €1.55 within Europe, and around €2.50 for other countries. Post office business hours in Italy are from 8:30am to 2:00pm from Monday to Friday, with closing times at Saturday and the last day of the month at 12 noon.