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Siena is
an historic town of Tuscany, of about 54,000 inhabitants, at 322 mtrs
above sea level. It is rich in works of art and monuments. Previously an
Etruscan city and Roman settlement, it experienced economic and artistic
prosperity during the Middle-Ages. Siena has been able to conserve its
ancient medieval characteristics integrally: buildings, small squares,
narrow streets, back-streets and best of all, the warm, rich color of red
bricks.
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The Cathedral of
Siena
Beautiful building with a dark green and white Gothic-Roman
facade. It hosts many works by Donatello, Pisano and Arnolfo di Cambio.
Some frescoes by Pinturicchio. The inlaid marble floor is a real
masterpiece realized by famous artists.
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Museum Opera del Duomo of
Siena
It is near the Cathedral. On the ground-floor it hosts ten
statues by Pisano and a lot of paintings, jewellery and illuminated
manuscripts which come from the Cathedral. Many important works by
Pisano, Jacopo della Quercia (Madonna with Child). On the first floor
the museum exhibits the greatest masterpiece of the Sienese school of
painting, the famous "Maestą", by Duccio di Buoninsegna.
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Battistero di San
Giovanni
On the right side of the Cathedral. It preserves the
15th century baptismal font by Jacopo della Quercia. It seems that
Donatello and Ghiberti also participated in realizing this wonderful
work. Rich interior with many frescos and works of art.
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Pinacoteca
Hosted
in Palazzo Buonsignori, not far from the Cathedral, it preserves many
works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Pietro Lorenzetti and Ambrogio
Lorenzetti.
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Piazza del
Campo
This is one of the most beautiful piazzas of Italy and
perhaps of the world. Known for its shell shape. It is dominated by the
Mangia Tower, built in 1848 and 102 mtrs high, from which it's possible to
admire the panorama of the city. Next, the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall)
built between 1297 and 1342, represents an important example of Gothic
architecture in Tuscany. The Palace is well conserved and on the
ground-floor it hosts many frescoes by Sano di Pietro, Vecchietta,
Simone Martini and Sodoma. On the first floor the Civic Museum
preserves many works including the frescoes "Guidoriccio da Fogliano"
and the "Maestą", fine masterpieces by Simone Martini. Other frescoes by
Vecchietta (St. Caterina), Sano di Pietro (St. Bernardino) and Sodoma.
In the "Sala della Pace" (Room of Peace) it's possible to admire a
series of frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, representing the allegories
of "Good and Bad Government". Twice a year, the famous Palio of Siena
takes place here.
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The Church of S.
Domenico
Inside a fresco representing Santa Caterina from Siena,
by Andrea Vanni, is conserved. On the right side of the church a chapel
with a wonderful marble altar which hosts the head of the Saint. The crypt
preserves another fine work, a golden cross painted by Sano di
Pietro.
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The Church of S.
Agostino
It hosts many works of art, by Vanni and Manetti. In the
15th century chapel called Bichi chapel, many frescoes by G.
Martini and Luca Signorelli. The Piccolomini chapel hosts a fresco by
Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
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Basilica
dell'Osservanza
It is considered one of the most important
churches in Siena. Several works of art.
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Museum of Natural
History
Important exhibit of minerals and rocks. Worthy of note
are the samples of meteorite stones which fell on a village near Siena in
1764.
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Piazza
Salimbeni
Three important buildings mark the boundary of piazza
Salimbeni, but the impressive Palazzo Salimbeni emerges with great
strength, seat of Monte dei Paschi di Siena Bank, the most ancient bank
in the world, founded in 1472. Inside the palace there is a rich
collection of paintings and works of art. It's possible to visit it by
appointment.
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Palazzo
Piccolomini
Built in 1469, it is the seat of the museum of
Tavolette di Biccherna, a rich collection of miniatures by Sienese
artists.
Siena's typical
products
Chianti wine, sheep's milk cheese, olive oil, ceramics,
terracotta objects, wrought iron, leather goods, and Siena's
typical cakes (Panforte, panpepato, ricciarelli, copate and
cavallucci.)
Siena's events and
feasts
"The Palio" , twice a year on July 2 and
August 16. It takes place in the famous Piazza del Campo.
Feast of San
Giuseppe: It takes place from March 19 to the beginning of April and
in Via Duprč, close to Piazza del Campo, you can find some
stands offering good rice fritters and locally produced toys.
Feast of Santa Lucia: This traditional event
takes place on December 13, in "Pian dei Mantellini". Stands display
ceramics, terra-cotta and ceramic handbells.
Antique fair market: Each 3rd Sunday of the month
in "Piazza del Mercato", close to the famous Piazza del Campo.
About 80 exhibitors participate.
Siena Internet Points:
Via
Cecco Angiolieri 51 - Via del Paradiso 8 - Via Pantaneto 54 - Via di
Cittą 121
Driving directions:
By Train: The closest railway station is Siena train
station: Train
schedules
By Air: International flights to Rome, Milan or Florence or
Pisa.
The closest airport is Siena -
Ampugnano Airport
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