Siena is a medieval hill town situated in southern Tuscany, south of Florence by 45 minutes (in a car). Its small streets weave through the city, coming together at the main and centrail point in the city: Piazza del Campo. On a warm day, people flood the Campo and hang out on its brick floors, basking in the sun.
Each summer, for the past 800 years, the same seventeen contrade, with their ancient rivalries, gather in the Piazzal del Campo for the famous Palio. The Palio attracts thousands of spectators and loyal fans, as it is Tuscany's oldest tradition, dating back to 1283.
The Palio brings together seventeen parishes (contrade) to form a series of bareback horse races. The different parish emblems hang from balconies, everywhere throughout the city. The horses are chosen by lottery and then blessed at the local churches.
Wander around the streets of Siena and one will find amazing views, museums, great architecture, endless restaurants, good shopping, and much more.
Siena's Duomo is extremely impressive with its enormous size and ornate decorations. Its entire floor of marble inlay, depicts many different biblical stories and is impressive to even the most worldly of travellers.
The ceiling of the massive dome is carefully painted with incredible detail. The structure is not to be reckoned or rivaled with. Every visit to Siena must include its impressive Duomo. After stopping for a meal at on of the many restaurants in the Campo, walk up the hill from the Piazza del Campo, and then turn right. You will find yourself on Via di Citta where you will find all the shopping from designer shops to more funky and lower priced shops on Siena's main shopping street. There is lots to do and even more to see in this great medieval city.
Siena is a quick and easy daytrip from Florence.
by Elizabeth Appel
