😉 Hello my dear readers! I was lucky to visit Siena (Tuscany region, Italy). This is a city that has been perfectly preserved to this day. I want to tell you about it in this article “Siena: Sights of a Medieval City”.
Siena landmarks
From above, in the rays of the setting sun of Tuscany, the outlines of the city resemble a golden dragon curled up on three hills. Its history dates back to the Etruscan era.
Under Octavian Augustus, this place became a Roman colony. In the 250th century, the city gained importance thanks to the road leading from Rome. (Distance from Rome to Siena – 75 km. From Florence to Siena-XNUMX km).
Medieval gate – entrance to the city of Siena
The city becomes the center of the strongest Siena Republic. It also grows in the XIII century. reaches the peak of development, concentrating the best manifestations of the Trecento era.
After a terrible plague epidemic in 1348, the star of the Siena Republic is on the decline. In 1555 Siena loses its independence, its economy does not allow construction. But thanks to this, the classic medieval buildings, steep narrow streets, where the sun does not look even at noon, have survived to this day.
The spirit of the Middle Ages is so alive in them that in the early morning on a deserted cobbled street it seems that the clatter of hooves is about to be heard and a rider will fly out from around the corner. No wonder the historical and architectural center of Siena is a World Heritage Site and is under the protection of UNESCO.
Piazza del Campo
The center of Siena, its symbol, Piazza del Campo (main square), can only be reached on foot. It is here that the first pedestrian zone in Italy was created. The square, like a giant shell and its surroundings, is a surprisingly harmonious architectural ensemble.
Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia tower
The powerful walls of the Town Hall, Palazzo Pubblico with a unique museum, historical frescoes and the famous “Maesta”. The proud Torre del Mangia tower, 102-meter high symbol of the independence and power of the Siena Republic.
At the walls of the City Hall, built between 1297 and 1310 for the meetings of the Government
The cool marble of the Fonte Gaia of the Fountain of Joy, shading the crystal water, like a real gem. And from the east, one of the most beautiful palaces in the city, Palazzo Piccolomini, opens onto the square. Now here is the city archive, which stores unique manuscripts, including those belonging to the pen of Dante Alighieri.
Palio
Piazza del Campo hosts various cultural events every year. But the most important thing was and remains the famous palio. This colorful medieval performance takes place annually on July 2 and August 16.
During the palio, the Piazza del Campo is filled with spectators. The square Fountain of Joy is visible
The tradition has been preserved since the XIV century, when horsemen from each of the seventeen contrades (quarters of Siena, which have their own flag and coat of arms) competed among themselves.
The race itself – three circles in the area on bareback horses, takes only 90 seconds, but the celebrations continue for a week. Festive tables are set in the streets, and the processions through the city after the races continue until the morning. The unique palio ritual attracts tourists from all over the world.
Siena cathedral
Along the narrow meanders of the streets, you can walk to Cathedral Square, where you will be greeted by another masterpiece – the Cathedral. It is recognized as the most harmonious of the medieval cathedrals in Italy.
Siena Cathedral. Construction from 1215 to 1263
At the entrance to Siena Cathedral
Along the way, you can often feel the aroma of exquisite Siena sweets, Ricciarelli or Panforte, which are prepared according to medieval recipes. And while walking along Via di Citta, you can hear music coming from the Quijan Academy. The Chianti region, near Siena, produces the most famous of Italian wines.
Medieval courtyard of the Kijan Music Academy. The inscription above the well “The star must shine” (if you have a talent, develop it)
Over the centuries, the traditions of the Siena School of Art have been formed, whose masterpieces can be seen in museums, palazzo and temples. Siena is a city forever young, thanks to its students. They make up almost half of its population. Universities are one of the oldest, the first opened in 1240, the second in 1624.
It is worth walking to the highest points of the city or climbing the tower. Green hills and bizarre street patterns in the city’s panoramic panorama will hardly leave anyone indifferent. The inimitable charm of Siena – the golden pearl of the Middle Ages.
Attractions in Siena
🙂 Our walk through the unique city has come to an end. Leave your comments, additions to the article “Siena: the sights of the medieval city”. Share this information with your friends on social networks.