Siena is a small Italian town with a rich history and is known for their horse races that happen twice a year. Siena is a landlocked town and one of the only cities in Italy that still have its walls up around the city center.
Located in the heart of Tuscany, the city is built on three hills. The town is filled with narrow street and beautiful architecture that makes it a tourist destination. The streets have limited cars and are very easy to walk to all the top places to see. Surrounding the small town are gorgeous vineyards and fields that make a perfect place for a picnic or wine tasting.
Siena is made up of seventeen contrades. The Aquila – Eagle, Giraffa – Giraffe, Drago – Dragon, Bruco – Caterpillar, Chiocciola – Snail, Civetta – Owl, Istrice – Porcupine, Leocorno – Unicorn, Nicchio – Shell, Lupa – Wolf, Oca – Goose, Onda – Wave, Pantera – Panther, Selva – Forest, Tartuca – Tortoise, Torre – Tower, and the Valdimontone – Valley of the Ram.
Despite being a small town there are plenty of things to see and do in Siena.
Siena Cathedral
Siena and Florence are two towns in the Tuscany region who were great rivals. It was originally meant to be a Latin cross with a tower and a dome but lack of funding resulted in the church still not finished. The church is made of gorgeous marble and still has a tower that gives you an amazing view of the city.
Basilica di San Domenic
This church also known as the Basilica Cateriniana was built in the 1200’s then later remolded to the gothic look that you will see today. In the 1500’s parts were burn in fires but most of the church still remains. This church is famous for holding the head of St. Catherine. St. Catherine was born in Siena and has influenced the people of Siena greatly.
Piazza del Campo
This city center has more meaning to it than just being a great place to eat gelato and relax with your friends it is one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. During the summer they fill it with sand to hold their annual horse races. The city center is surrounded with awesome places to eat and plenty of souvenir shops. They also hold concerts and other events in the area throughout the year.
Torre del Mangia
This tower, also located in the Piazza del Campo, was built in the 1300’s and is the second tallest tower in medieval Italy. It was built to be the same height as the tower on the Cathedral because they wanted to shower that both church and state have an equal amount of power.
The Fonte Gaja
This fountain located in the Piazza del Campo was designed by a famous sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. The fountain was originally built in the 14th century to bring water to the city center but now it mainly just another tourist attraction.