Siena ItalySiena Italy, is a city of art, mystic and sweet, passionate and generous.  It is said that Siena have been founded in the beginning of the Roman era from Senio and Aschio, sons of Remo. This explains the emblema of Siena with the wolf and the twins, same symbol of Rome.  One of the numerous art treasures is the Duomo (12th-14th century Cathedral), a very high expression of the Romanesque-Gothic art, with numerous paintings, sculptures and several works of architecture.In the Medieval era (12th to 14th Century) Siena becomes free municipality, the commerce and bank activity made the town really prosperous (here has been born the most ancient and still existing bank in the world, "Monte dei Paschi di Siena", since 1472). Siena is a wonderful city, with craft shops, towers and narrow streets and is divided into 17 districts called Contrade: Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Leocorno, Lupa, Nicchio, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Selva, Tartuca, Torre, Valdimontone. A strong Italy tourist attraction is the "Palio delle Contrade" , popular festivity since 1656 on July 2nd. The palio is preceded by an historical procession revoking the wealth and independence of the Republic of Siena. On August 16th it is repeated and that has its final in the spectacular (and very dangerous) horse race in "Piazza del Campo".
Return from Siena Italy |
