Siena - (59,000 inhabitants),
is not only one of the most fascinating towns in Tuscany but
is also in a particularly beautiful position, with lovely
environs.
The town is the capital of the Tuscan
province of the same name.
It preserves its medieval character
to a remarkable degree, and has been largely unspoilt by new
buildings. Its beautiful Gothic buildings include the Cathedral
and Palazzo Pubblico, as well as numerous churches.
The delightful Sienese school of paint
ing produced, in the First half of the 14C, masterpieces by
Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Pietro and Ambrogio
Lorenzetti, all of whose work is well represented in the Pinacoteca,
Palazzo Pubblico, and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
The Campo is one of the most remarkable
squares in Italy. The seventeen Contrade or wards into which
the town is divided still manage to play an active part in
the life of the city, culminating in the famous Palio horserace
which has survived as perhaps the most spectacular annual
festival in Italy, in which the whole city participates.
The town is built on a Y-shaped ridge
and spreads into the adjacent valleys; the streets are consequently
often steep, and to pass from one part of the city to another
it is often necessary to cross a deep valley. For this reasonv
and also because its treasures are unusually scattered, several
days are needed for an adequate visit. From the town there
is an extensive and varied panorama which includes Monte Amiata
and the metalliferous hills, as well as the clay downs of
Asciano and the wooded district of Montagnola. To the north,
the scenery changes once again, with the densely cultivated
hills of the Chianti.
How to reach Siena: From Florence take direction Siena,
on the highway A1 exit Florence South.
Distances: Florence 65 Km - Pisa 110 Km - Arezzo 65
Km
Correct name is Siena
Common mistakes are Sienna,
Syenna, Senna
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Siena
/ Sienna - Tuscany Italy
Siena 
