Siena, Tuscany
Siena, one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks.
The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Siena retains a ward-centric culture from medieval times. Each ward (contrada) is represented by an animal or mascot, and has its own boundary and distinct identity. Ward rivalries are most rampant during the annual horse race (Palio) in the Piazza del Campo. it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.
Few geographical areas in the world can boast of the variety of environment that surrounds Siena. To the north, we have the richness of the Chianti landscape, woven with vines and olive-trees throughout the hills. Here also are beautiful towns like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni with old walls, winding streets and incredible views. South of Siena, the Arbia valley leads to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine. And the area La Crete stretches out, amazing visitors with its harsh rock formations and unique landscape. Westwards we head towards the coast, to captivitating coastline towns like Castiglione della Pescaia, and nature reserves like the area called Maremma. With such natural beauty within easy reach by car or public transport, Siena is a good place to base yourself for a Tuscan experience. The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area.
(Source: aboutsiena.com)
The Palio di Siena is a traditional medieval horse race run around the Piazza del Campo twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August. The event is attended by large crowds, and is widely televised. Seventeen Contrade (which are city neighbourhoods originally formed as battalions for the city's defence) vie for the trophy: a painted flag, or Palio bearing an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ten of the seventeen run in each Palio: seven run by right (having not run in the previous year's corresponding Palio) together with three drawn by lot from the remaining ten. A horse is assigned to each by lot. Though often a brutal and dangerous competition for horse and rider alike, the city thrives on the pride this competition brings. This event is not without its controversy however, and recently, there have been complaints about the treatment of the horses and to the danger run by the riders. In order to better protect the horses, steps have been taken to make veterinary care more easily available during the main race. Also at the most dangerous corners of the course, cushions are used to help protect both the riders and horses.
(Source: wikipedia.org)
Attractions
Winding on foot through Siena's maze of enchanting streets, visiting her historical sites, churches, museums and palaces, is the best way to do her justice.
Il Campo: This is really one of the lovliest squares in Tuscany.This medieval fan-shaped town square is divided into nine parts in honor of the ruling body in power at the time it was built, the Noveschi (Council of Nine). The Campo is also the site of the city's most popular twice-yearly party, the Palio, a fiercly competitive horse race around the piazza.
Palazzo Pubblico: This building, constructed from 1288 - 1309, is a great masterpiece of Gothic architecture. In the courtyard is a scuplture of the very Sienese symbol of the she-wolf suckling the twins; inside on the ground floor the door and all the windows are topped with Sienese arches and crowned with the black and white emblem of Siena, the balzana.
This tower has a long narrow staircase, winding up to one of the best views of Siena. Though the stairs can leave you out of breath for a few minutes after arriving at the top, the climb is well worth it and will afford the visitor with an absolutely spectacular view of Siena's rooftops and maze of streets. The Museo Civico, inside the Palazzo, is full of frescoes by Sienese artists such as Simone Martini (Maestà) and Ambrogio Lorenzetti (Allegories of Good and Bad Government).
Duomo and Libreria Piccolomini: cathedral corresponds in art history to the transitional period from Romanesque styles of architecture to Gothic styles. In fact, though there are some elements that can be characterized as Romanesque, it is a great example of Gothic architecture. The Duomo has a wealth of artwork, including its marble floor, marble pulpit, and Donatello's bronze statue of St. John the Babtist. Inside the Duomo, is the fabulously ornate Libreria Piccolomini, a dazzling Renaissance room which hosts the book collection of Pope Pius II, built by that pope's nephew, Pope Pius III.
Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana:This museum, in Piazza Jacopo della Quercia, would have been part of the New Cathedral, a cathedral whose building began in 1339 and was permanently halted in 1348 as a result of the Black Plague's decimation of Siena's population. The artworks inside this museum previously decorated the Duomo. The museum's collection includes the 12 statues of the prophets by Giovanni Pisano, and works by Buoninsegna, and Taddeo di Bartolo.
Battistero di San Giovanni: the stairs, houses some of the very finest works of art in Siena. Its purely Gothic façade was begun in 1317 and continued on until 1382; the upper section of the facade was left unfinished. Decorated with frescoes by Vecchietta, Pietro di Francesco degli Orioli, and Michele di Matteo, the babtistery contains some excellent works by Donatello, including Herod's Feast and statues representing Hope and Charity.
Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala: This ancient hospital is situated directly across from the steps of the Duomo, thus its name Spedale Santa Maria della Scala, della scala meaning, "of the stairway". Tradition has it, that this hospital was founded in 832 by a Sienese cobbler named Beato Sorore who started it as a place to care for people travelling on pilgrimages to Rome. The works inside include frescoes and other treasures collected throughout its long history. The building also houses the Museo Archeologico which has a fairly comprehensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan remains.
Pinacoteca Nazionale: This national picture gallery is located in Palazzo Buonsignori, a noble palace located at Via San Pietro 29. This gallery houses numorous works of art by masters of the Sienese school. Taking some time to browse from room to room, viewing works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, one can see evidence in the paintings of the pride the artists had for Siena.
Chiesa di San Domenico: Construction on this imposing Gothic church, located at Piazza San Domenico, was begun in 1225, and then carried out through several successive periods of time. This church is most well known for its relationship with St. Catherine of Siena, and inside, her life is pictured in murals by Il Sodoma. St. Catherine took her vows here, in the Cappella delle Volte. There is also a portait of the saint done while she was still living, as well as her actual head preserved in a tabernacle on the altar of the Cappella di Santa Caterina.
Casa di Santa Caterina: This is the house, located on Costa di Sant'Antonio, in which St. Catherine was born to a family of 25 children (Catherine was the 24th). The home has been preserved in honor of the highly respected Saint, every room is now a chapel and contains frescoes from various Sienese artists.
(Source: dolcevita.com)
Siena’s Nightlife
Even though Siena may seem like a quiet town, you can still find a variety of bars and pubs, to meet friends for a beer or glass of wine.
Much time is spent strolling from cafe to cafe, and gathering with friends at Piazza del Campo to listen to live music, watch performances by improvisational entertainers such as fire eaters and clowns, or just enjoying a gelato and the view. The Sienese enjoy the tradition of an evening walk, the "passeggiata", through Banchi di Sopra, while admiring the new window displays and socializing with friends and neighbors.
(Source: aboutsiena.com)
Climate
The spring climate arrives relatively early in Siena. March is a lovely time of year to visit, particularly for those who like to admire the beautiful Tuscan scenery. Temperatures are fairly comfortable, although during April and early May the weather does tend to turn rather wet.
July and August are by far the warmest and sunniest months of the year. Summer temperatures vary between 27°C / 80°F and 32°C / 90°F. As temperatures reach their peak in Siena, it can sometimes seem stiflingly hot and humid to those with a busy sightseeing itinerary. On the other hand, the evenings are pleasantly warm and perfect for al fresco dining.
The early autumn climate offers a great time to visit Siena and is ideal for those who want to avoid the heat. In October and November, temperatures still feel pleasantly warm, and there are plenty of blue skies to enjoy. What's more, the summer crowds have abated. Average temperatures are around 21°C / 70°F to 24°C / 75°F.
As late autumn turns to winter, visitors to Siena can look forward to crisp autumnal days. Night-time temperatures begin to fall quite dramatically. It's worth noting that at this time of the year, there's usually a fair amount of rain, too, so visitors should come prepared for changeable weather.
A Siena winter can feel cold, but not excessively so, with an average temperature of 10°C / 50°F. There is still the opportunity to enjoy some sunny days, although it can turn wet at times.
(Source: world-guides.com)