Siena is one of the most beautiful and liveable cities in Italy,situated right in the heart of Tuscany, nestled among the rolling hills of the Chianti and Maremma regions. It is rich with history, art, and culture, and is perhaps best known as being the city of the Palio. Siena was built over hills that are
around 300 meters above sea level, and still maintains its Medieval aspect today. It is believed that Siena was of Etruscan origin, and later became a Roman colony, though there 
are very few historical documents that give insight into the city during that period in time. During the Middle Ages the city developed a much greater importance due to its central location along the commercial
routes leading to Rome, and gained status as a free city-state in 1147. As the city continued to grow and expand during the 12th century, a confrontation with Florence became inevitable. The war that followed was to be a long one, though not always intense it was full of surprises, changes in fortune, alliances and betrayals, all of which ignited a fierce rivalry that has endured even into
modern day. After about 300 years of war, after a brutal besiegement, Siena was conquered by Florence in 1155 and became part of the Granduchy of Florence, until Italy became a unified country in 1861.
Undoubtedly a very important and well known site is the Piazza del Campo, easily one of the most fascinating Medieval plazas in Italy where the previously mentioned Palio race takes place. Its shell form is extremely unique, and it stands out for its beauty and architectural integrity. From the piazza you can admire the Palazzo Comunale, or town hall, built between 1298 and 1310, as well as its bell tower, the Torre del Mangia, built between 1325 and 1348. Here you will also find the Cappella di Piazza, a marble tabernacle that was built in 1352 to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for having rescued the town from the danger of the black plague that had broken out in in 1348.
Many other stupendous buildings are dispersed throughout the city, such as the Palazzo del Capitano, Palazzo Arcivescovile, Palazzo Maccari which is rich with external decoration, and the Palazzo Piccolomini which is quite possibly the most beautiful Renaissance building in Siena. The Tedeschini Piccolomini family, bankers to the Papal Court, had it built in the 15th century and it
remains today an example of architectural elegance and harmony. The Palazzo Chigi Saracini is another historically relevant building, dating back to the 12th century. According to legend, from the top of the tower a drummer boy was able to observe the various phases of the battle between
Monteaperti and Florence, thus relaying the details to the anxiously awaiting population, with the result turning out to be victorious for the Republic of Siena.
The Duomo of Siena (Cathedral of Santa Maria) is also of immense religious and artistic value. Built in a Romanesque Gothic style, it is one of the most fascinating of churches done in this manner. The facade was begun towards the end of the 1200's by Giovanni Piasano, and offers us its spectacular beauty. In 1313 the bell tower was completed, measuring 77 meters in height. The Duomo was built in a latin-cross form, with three vast naves, and internally the immense proportions of the church is even more noticeable. The central 
nave is surmounted by a windowsill that is superimposed by many sculpted busts of past popes. On the right in Piazza Jacopo della Quercia, you will find what is left of the "new Duomo" with its unfinished facade. When Siena had reached its maximum splendour it was thought that the Duomo was too small for such a great city and so the idea was to enlarge it. Unfortunately, the black plague of 1348 and the ground yielding forced the inhabitants of Siena to abandon the project.
In the same plaza can also be found the Baptistry of San Giovanni and the Santissima Annunziata which is facing the Piazza del Duomo. Also worth a visit are the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi, Basilica of San Domenico with its Egyptian cross shape and large central nave, Basilica of San Francescobuilt in the 1200's, and the Church of Santo Spirito. Siena, known for all of the artistic gems mentioned above, is also renowned for its famous Palio, held twice a year. Originating during the Middle Ages, this is an equestrian competition very important for the 17 contrade, or districts, of Siena. The event takes place on July 2nd (in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano) and on August 16th (in honor of the Madonna Assunta). Deemed by many today as the historical event more important and well known in all of Italy, the Palio's roots go back to past eras. In fact, in many Italian cities during the 12th and 13th centuries, it was quite common to organize horse races, whether just as a public event or as a true competion among the various breeds owned by the nobles. The name "palio" derives from the final prize of the race--a very fine mantel (Pallium in latin ) which goes to the church of the winner's district. The Palio really seems to last all year between the organization, strategy research with the jockeys, care of the horses, and the alliances of the districts. The actual festival and race itself takes place over four very intense days that are packed with various events, but the preparation is year long!
