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Siena, A Step back to Medieval Tuscany

Siena

Siena is likely Italy's loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

Siena is said to have been founded by Senius, son of Remus, one of the two legendary founders of Rome thus Siena's emblem is the she-wolf who suckled Remus and Romulus - you'll find many statues throughout the city. The city sits over three hills with its heart the huge piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be. Rebuilt during the rule of the Council of Nine, a quasi-democratic group from 1287 to 1355, the nine sections of the fan-like brick pavement of the piazza represent the council and symbolizes the Madonna's cloak which shelters Siena.

The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia. Along with the Duomo of Siena, the Palazzo Pubblico was also built during the same period of rule by the Council of Nine. The civic palace, built between 1297 and 1310, still houses the city's municipal offices much like Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Its internal courtyard has entrances to the Torre del Mangia and to the Civic Museum. If you feel energetic, a climb up the over 500 steps will reward you with a wonderful view of Siena and its surroundings. The Museum, on the other hand, offers some of the greatest of Sienese paintings. The Sala del Concistoro houses one of Domenico Beccafumi's best works, ceiling frescoes of allegories on the virtues of Siena's medieval government. But it is the Sala del Mappamondo and the Sale della Pace that hold the palaces's highlights: Simone Martini's huge Maestà and Equestrian Portrait of Guidoriccio da Fogliano and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Allegories of Good and Bad Government, once considered the most important cycle of secular paintings of the Middle Ages.

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In this marvelous 3 month exhibition spread across Siena, you'll get to discover the genius and beauty of the creations of Ambrogio Lorenzetti, an up to now largely unknown 14th century artist. Known for his "Good and Bad Government" fresco style in Palazzo Pubblico, there are more works to discover!

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A day in Siena

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All Siena Accommodations

List of all lodgings in Siena and in the surrounding area: Farmhouses, B&B, hotels and apartments with detailed description and high resolution photos. All holiday rentals offer direct contact with the owner or online booking.

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Piazza del Campo in Siena

Magical & enticing, even the most active visitor will want to take a few extra minutes to bask in the Tuscan sun, watch the shadow of the tower move across the square like the hand of a large clock and soak in the special atmosphere of Piazza del Campo.

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Visit the Torre del Mangia

Admire it from below or climb it to the top, this is one stop you don't want to miss in Siena.  The iconic tower is a beacon for those who are in the city or travelling in the countryside.

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Walks in Siena off the Tourist Track

Do you want to see more than Piazza del Campo and the Duomo in Siena? Here are ideas for a few walking trips which will take you around the beautiful city of Siena, offering great views of the city and surrounding countryside and taking to you a few other sights off the main tourist beaten path.

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Siena Tourist Info

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Insider Tips on Where to Eat in Siena

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Tuscany in a Day: See Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti

One of the best ways to see the top sights out of Florence is to go on a group guided tour which will take you by bus to the top sights: this one takes you to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti, with a last stop at a winery for a tour and wine tasting before heading back to Florence.

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The Palio in Siena

The two annual races are just a part of what the Palio really means.  This special event, which involves the entire city of Siena, starts at birth when each child is assigned a Contrada and becomes a lifelong journey of rivalry.  Learn the more about the race.

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The Treasure Within: the Piccolomini Library inside the Duomo

The first time we went into the cathedral in Siena, we weren't expecting all the black and white. Then you step into the Piccolomini Library and discover where all the colors are! It is a stupendous discovery we highly recommend you include on your itinerary in Siena.

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Palazzo Pubblico and the Museo Civico, the City museum of Siena

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Visit the Baptistery, Crypt and Museum dell’Opera in Siena

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Museum Complex Santa Maria della Scala

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The Best Day trips from Siena (even without a car)

Are you looking for a day-trip out of Siena and are you travelling by public transport? Here we recommend you 12 great ideas and many useful info for discovering the marvellous surroundings of Siena and enjoying the authentic Tuscany.

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Divina Bellezza - The Divine Beauty of Siena

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Tips for Enjoying the Palio

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Visit Palazzo Piccolomini, beautiful Renaissance palace in Pienza

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Books about Siena and the Palio

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