Siena, Italy is one of the most enchanting cities in all of Italy. It has long been one of the most popular tourists attractions in all of Italy, famous for it’s art, architecture, and medieval feel.
Siena, Italia, as the Italians refer to it, is nestled in Tuscany in central Italy near Florence. Siena is a city that has remarkably kept its small town feel and has a relatively small population with only about 60,000 inhabitants.
Siena is a city that has a rich history and heritage. Siena was founded at the beginning of Roman times by Senus, the son of Remus. Siena became a free commune in the 12th century and gradually developed into a very wealthy republic. Since the beginning of its establishment, Siena has remarkably retained its independence, despite being involved in many wars. Siena came under control of the Petrucci family in 1487 then only to come under the rule of Cosimo I de' Medici, a short time later. Since then Siena has grown into a very independent and powerful city.
Today Siena is probably most noted for its architecture and fine art. Most of Siena’s beautiful architecture was created in Sienese Gothic style, giving the town a very distinctive style. The art of Siena is probably best represented by the works that came out of the Sienese school, by artists such as Guido of Siena, Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Lorenzetti.
There are many attractions in Siena that lures millions of tourists there each year. One of the most popular attractions in Siena are the many reddish-brown buildings that has given Siena a very unique and beautiful look to it. Among the other attractions in Siena are the city’s square, the Piazza del Campo and the Gothic Palazzo Pubblico containing works by many famous artists such as Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Martini. One of the most popular events to occur in Siena is the Corsa del Palio, a horse race that is run twice each summer. The horse race was first run in 1656 and is one of the events that has made Siena famous around the world. Siena also has many beautiful cathedrals, art galleries and churches.
Siena is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the whole world. With its delicious cuisine and wine, historic art and architecture and friendly people, Siena is a city not to be missed by anyone traveling in Italy.