Siena

Siena, its history and its land, let us discover it

Located in beautiful Tuscany, on a large hill, we find one of the oldest prehistoric Neolithic cities, namely Siena. Its city centre, there even one of the areas that recall the settlement of 'old Siena'. The latter seems to have originated from one of the first Etruscan colonies called: Saenae. Hence the present name of: Siena.

There is a particular curiosity about the history of this city. Consider that it later became a Roman colony under the rule of the Roman Empire and was beloved by certain nobles exiled from the capital.

In a document known as an artefact dating back to 70 BC, written by Senator Manlius Patruitus, who lived in Siena. It is noted that in this very colony he was ridiculed with a mock funeral and beaten up. This was because the city wanted to remain independent from Roman rule, which did not happen. However, the Sienese civilisation was very much against Roman authority.

This gave rise to the legend that the Sienese were rebels as well as using mockery as a method of warfare against the authorities.

World Heritage Site: historic centre Siena

It was 1995 when the historic centre of Siena became a Unesco World Heritage Site. A merit that has made the city known to the world. Certainly, Tuscany has much to offer the tourist who finds himself catapulted into the Middle Ages. In addition to the splendid Florence, which is very small but very beautiful, Siena offers a valid alternative for all those who love:

- History

- Culture

- Art

- Entertainment

- Nature

It is practically one of those places that the tourist can totally experience. Famous for its Palio, which is unique in the world, with the contrade still competing for an important coat of arms, let's see how to discover and visit it.

The historical centre is rather small, but can be visited comfortably on foot. Each alley tells a particular story. The contrade then have alleys that often recall the colours of their main flag. This is enough to totally immerse oneself in the medieval era.

However, in addition to the historical centre, you should also visit the 'Terre di Siena'. These are the eight municipalities that surround the city and are easy to reach, including:

- Asciano, known for its beautiful Sienese Crete

- Buoncovento, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

- Chiusdino, with its ancient abbey with the sword in the rock (this is where the legend of the sword in the rock originated and became a children's fairytale

- Monticiano, complete with splendid nature reserves where you can go hiking and trekking

- Monteroni d'Arbia, with several Roman sites and the splendid Via Lauretana

- Murlo, an Etruscan village still intact

- Rapolano Terme, with some of the best spas in Italy

- Sovicille, the town of castles and parish churches

All these places are rich in abbeys, churches, museums, entertainment and historical sites to visit.

Impressive art and culture

Let's get back to talking about Siena and what to visit. There are places of interest that are photographed all the time. The first area one must visit is the famous Piazza del Campo, which, in summer, becomes the centre of the Sienese movida. Among other things, it is here that many shows are organised was open and where you will find street artists performing for free in the evenings.

Another unmissable stop is the famous Duomo di Siena. Complete with tower and an imposing structure. The Duomo towers over the city and is visible from several points and streets. The Torre del Mangia is described as one of the twin towers of the Palazzo Signoria in Florence. However, here in Siena, the tower is much taller.

Lastly, one of the most beautiful, characteristic, artistic and beautifully worked monuments is Santa Maria della Scala, one of the largest and most hospitable in Europe.

It used to welcome thousands of pilgrims. Today it is one of the largest museums in Tuscany.