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Siena
Siena is an astoundingly beautiful city and is between a hour and 90 minutes’ drive from most of our properties. The great rival to Florence, Siena is the home of the world’s oldest bank and was the leader in medieval art (Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini and Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti were all Sienese). The Black Death wiped out so many people in the crowded city centre that the town began to fall behind Florence in importance. The buildings around the Campo (the main piazza) in Siena are often used as an example of how architectural styles from different periods can combine harmoniously together.
The town is also famous for the Palio, a horse race held in the Campo between the various contrade, or wards, of the town. There are seventeen contrade and each has its own animal symbol. Children can be entertained when sightseeing in Siena by looking out for the animal motifs dotted around the town. There is a lot to do here and simply wandering the streets is enough for many first time visitors. However, you might want to see the following:
The Campo
The main piazza and the location for the Palio, the mad horse race staged twice every summer. Enjoy an overpriced drink outside one of the bars on the edge of the Campo.
Palazzo Pubblico
The Palazzo Pubblico is the imposing civic building flanking the Campo, immediately noticable because of the incredibly tall tower, the Torre del Mangia. If you have the energy you can climb the tower and visit the Museo Civico within the Palazzo. Paintings include a Maestà by Simone Martini and the famous fresco depicting Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Duomo, Libreria Piccolomini and Baptistry
It’s cheaper to buy a joint ticket for all three of these. There were plans enlarge the Duomo by turning the existing nave and apse into transepts and extending the right hand transept into a new, enormous nave. The Black Death put paid to the plan but you can still see the unfinshed nave. The Duomo is finished in black and white marble on both the facade and interior. Make sure you see the Libreria Piccolomini on the left hand side of the nave. The library is frescoed with paintings by Pinturicchio and shows the life story of Pope Pius II, a great Renaissance pope whose family were originally from Siena.
Pinacoteca Nazionale
More fine examples of Sienese painting with more paintings by Duccio di Buoninsegna, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini. A trip to Siena, Tuscany. |