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The Republic of Siena, established in the 12th century, was a vibrant and influential city-state during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Founded on principles of commerce and governance, Siena quickly became a significant player in the region's political landscape.
Because Siena’s building activity was largely suspended in the 16th century, and because most modern building has taken place outside the city walls, Siena’s original character remains unspoiled, and Siena remains essentially a medieval town. The walls and gates enclose a city centre that is composed of narrow, winding streets and old ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Siena, Italy – A Medieval Jewel and UNESCO Site
- See The Highlights of Siena, Italy
- The Story of Siena – The Roman She-Wolf as A Symbol of Siena
Siena’s city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. One the best preserved Medieval towns in the whole of Italy. The most important attractions are the shell-shaped main square Piazza del Campo, known simply as Il Campo by the locals, and the Cathedral square, dominated by a stunning Gothic Duomo that is a real feast for the eyes. The main sightsa...
Piazza del Campo in Siena – A Medieval jewel
The Campo with its red brick and travertine design is the heart of Siena. You enter it via narrow passageways that open onto this elegant square. The impressive town hall, the Palazzo Pubblico, steals the show with its slender bell tower, the second-highest Medieval tower to be built in Italy. At its base is an open chapel, a reminder of the plague which ravaged Siena in the 14th century. The collection of buildings that borders the square is mesmerising, with its attractive red brick facades...
The Gothic Cathedral and its treasures
The curved facade of the elegant Palazzo Chigi-Saracini in Via di Citta’, links the Campo to the Cathedral square, the religious soul of Siena. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The story goes that the Virgin Marywas responsible for Siena’s famous victory at Montaperti in 1260 against Florence. Since then the city has been devoted to her. Siena Cathedral’s highlights include a marvellous marble pavement, the frescoed Piccolomini library, a statue by Donatello and Pisano’s...
Medieval art, paintings and frescoes in Siena
Fans of Medieval art, you’ve come to the right place. The first place to go is the Museo Civico hosted in the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo. Here you can admire the fascinating frescoes by Lorenzetti that form one of the most important series of secular frescoes from the Middle Ages. => Discover the “Allegory of Good and Bad Government” frescoes by Lorenzetti. The Pinacoteca Nazionale is a fine gallery that contains an unsurpassed collection of paintings by artists of the Sienese schoo...
Legend has it that Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, the sons of Remus. When Remus was murdered by his brother Romulus, his sons fled and settled on the hills where they founded Siena. You’ll come across representations of the lupa or she-wolfall over Siena. She was the foster-mother of Remus and Romulus. Siena reached the height of its powe...
- SIENA CATHEDRAL. The Duomo di Siena is a remarkable Gothic cathedral and one of the grandest in Italy. The façade consists of alternating layers of black and white marble, with intricate statues and grand bronze doors.
- PICCOLOMINI LIBRARY. The Piccolomini Library was commissioned around 1492 to honour the memory of Pope Pius II. It contains a rich collection of books and manuscripts that the pope collected over his lifetime.
- MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL DUOMO. In 1339, a massive extension to double the already huge Siena cathedral was planned. The work began, but the project was abandoned when money ran short.
- PANORAMA DEL FACCIATONE. In 1339 a motion was approved to extend Siena Cathedral. However, building works halted in 1348 due to the economic recession triggered by the Black Death.
Jan 25, 2023 · Famous for its beautifully preserved medieval city centre, Siena is one of the finest places to visit in Italy. Founded by the Romans before rising to become a major rival to Florence following the fall of the Empire, Siena was undoubtedly one of the most important cities in Europe.
The city of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, is perhaps the most beautiful medieval town in Italy (although we were very found of Lucca as well!) There are numerous highlights and places of interest in the city and we recommend you allow two days for a visit if possible so that you also have time to relax and take in the atmosphere.
Walking in the historic centre of Siena or close to the city walls, it is not rare to come across a medieval fountain. Siena‘s network of medieval fountains is an engineering masterpiece: 25 km of tunnels allow water from seepage in the countryside to be channelled into the city.
