Besides the fabulous capital of Rome, Italy has so many cities that are worth seeing. Each one it’s different by its location, surroundings, buildings and people. Siena is one of the major tourist destinations, although it’s not as popular as many other big Italian cities. The medieval flavor of this wonderful city and the Mediterranean atmosphere creates a one of a kind scenery. Each tourist feels and enjoys Siena in his own personal way.

Between the hills of Tuscany, just 55 kilometers south of Florence, you can find this amazing city. Inhabited for over one thousand years, you can breathe the history just by walking the streets of Siena. The buildings that are still surviving from the golden era of the city, the Late Middle Ages, are a standing proof of the richness of those times and of the large amount of money invested in erecting one of the most impressive cities of Italy.

The black and white Gothic Duomo with the statue of Mary Magdalene hidden in a niche, Palazzo Publico with its amazing frescoes and the Torre del Mangia where you can climb to see the city are just a few of the most important Medieval buildings you can see in Siena. For all the night life lovers, Siena is also the place to be. At every corner in the historical center you can find some nice and cozy restaurants with Italian traditional food and lots of loud pubs.

The historical center was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site and if you think you can drive around the streets of the center, you’re wrong. You can only walk around there, and remember that you’re in the country of scooters and motorcycles, therefore this will do as well.

Also, on July 2 and August 16, don’t miss the Piazza del Campo, because one of the most prestigious events takes place on these two dates. Il Palio di Siena is a horse race, in which ten of the seventeen contrade (city wards in the Medieval Era) are competing for supremacy. A parade of medieval costumed people, thousands of spectators and a festive atmosphere – all this represents Il Palio, a unique medieval event in the whole Europe.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Popularity: 1% [?]