Siena

A 14TH-CENTURY WONDER

Siena rises on a Hill between the valleys of the rivers Arbia and Elsa and extends into the most fascinating areas of Tuscany.

Sena, ancient Etruscan settlement, it was conquered by Rome in Republican period but it was not until around the year 1000, which began its development. Initially it was led by the bishops, then by the consuls and from 1252, by the captains of the people. Afterwards, the city experienced periods of wealth that alternated periods of turbulence. In 1559 Siena became part of the Medici State and after the end of doctors followed the fortunes of Tuscany, subdued to the Lorraine.

Piazza del Campo, with its traditional clamshell shape, is the symbol of the city. Is paved with Herringbone Brick and divided into nine segments is in memory of the Council of Nine. It is here that every year takes place the famous Palio. The square also contains within it the public Palace, one of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture from which stands the famous Torre del Mangia. The imposing Duomo, in Romanesque-Gothic style, is located in the square and contains works by artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello, Pinturicchio.

 

Traditions and Typical products

The Palio di Siena is held twice a year, in July and August, from 1656. Ten horses and their jockeys, representing the contrade, compete in the first 90 seconds around the Piazza del Campo.

As for the taste, great use of herbs such as tarragon and calamint, combined with the excellent olive oil, the flesh and the wine Chianti dei Colli Senesi give life to a rose great quality food and wine. Siena also stands out for the variety of cakes and biscuits among them being the Panforte, based on honey, walnuts, almonds and spices. Is the most famous Sienese cake along with Ricciarelli, cookies made with almond paste.