Siena One of the Best-preserved Medieval Cities in Tuscany, Italy

Siena may be the best-preserved medieval city in Italy, thanks to its conquest by Florence nearly 500 years ago. While the Florentines were busy launching the Renaissance, the Senese played the role of country cousins--and as a result, Siena (or at least the walled portion of the city) still looks much as it did in the Middle Ages. Fonte Gaia was built opposite the Palazzo Pubblico or better known as Torre di Mangia of Siena by Jacopo della Quercia between 1409 and 1419.

Water makes up an important part of the Senese culture - since it was one of the few great towns not built near or on a major river - legend has it that there is an underground river created by the goddess Diana. The marble fountain anticipates some of the fundamental aspects of Renaissance art. In the center is the image of the Madonna, surrounded by the Virtues and the depictions of the Creation of Adam and Adam and Eve`s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. In 1858, the original sculptures were moved to the Loggia of the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena.

According to legend Siena was founded by Senio, the son of Remus one of the two founders of Rome. The origin for the name of Siena, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and in the world, is still a matter of research. Some attribute it to the Etruscan family of the Saina, some to the Roman family of the Saenii. It is certain that its development only took off in the Middle Ages, when it expanded towards three nucleuses which later became known as the ”tertiary ”: the original city center, San Martino and Camollia.

The city reached its peak of splendor in the 1300’s, when most of the civic monuments were built and the construction of the monumental new Duomo, or church, was attempted. In 1348, however, Siena was laid low by the Black Death, which like an earthquake exterminated three fifths of the population. After a period of obscurity and alternating domination by other powers, in 1559 Siena became part of the grand duchy of Tuscany, effectively losing its own independence.

This hilly area stretches from Siena right to the edge of the province of Florence and is mainly cultivated with vineyards. There are a large number of producers of Chianti Classico in the area. Castles and farms are dotted around the hills.

Piazza del Duomo was begun about 1150 and when you walk the square you will signs that the Senese had very large ambitions. The church was anticipated to be much larger - but due to fighting and lack of funds they had to dramatically reduce the size. The marble pavement inside was designed in 1517-1547 by Beccafumi. On the left altar are early works by Michelangelo. In the left transept is the bronze St. John the Baptist by Donatello. Nicola Pisano`s pulpit (1265) was done after his famous pulpit in Pisa. The pillars are decorated by angels by Beccafumi.

With a population of less than 60,000, Siena contains 17 city-states, or contrada. Each contrada has its own flag, its own seat of government, its own constitution, its own church, fountain, hymn, motto, insignia, patron saint, and of course geographical boundaries -- which were established in 1729, when the number of contrade was also fixed by decree at 17. Walking around town you will find many stands selling the colourful flags and during city manifestations - the colours of each contrada find their way to the most unexpected places - like the flag tied to the states neck in the photo.

Churches and public buildings were lavishly decorated with marble inlaid floors and lush frescoed ceilings. The Baptistery, called also Pieve di San Giovanni,was built between 1316 and 1325 occupies a large space beneath the last two bays of the extended choir of the Cathedral. The marble façade was made between 1317 and 1382. On the left of the Baptistery is a large stairwell which will lead you to the square of the Duomo (or Cathedral). The church is not open to the public during mass - there is a line and a small fee to get in.

The Palazzo Pubblico of Siena, situated in Piazza del Campo, was built between 1250 and 1310 and although another floor was added in 1680, the style of the building remained unchanged. In the lower part of the building, two Siennese stone arches can be seen, the two upper stories are decorated with a series of three-paned windows.

Today, the Palazzo Pubblico is home to the Museo Civico of Siena. This slim and elegant structure (roughly 100m tall) called the Torre di Mangia was built by the brothers Minuccio di Rinaldo and Francesco Naldi from Arezzo between 1338 and 1348. For those strong of heart and who don’t mind a tight passage way you can actually climb to the top of the tower. The bell, cast in 1665, is commonly known as the ”campanone”. The name of the tower comes from Giovanni di Duccio, also known as ”Mangiaguadagni”, (apparently by the looks of his name he would eat his way through his earnings) who was one of the first people to hold the position of bell ringer.

Check below the following villas we have close to Siena:


	Tuscany Villas Last Minute Villas Wedding Villas Luxury Villas