DownloadSiena
Surrounded by olive groves and Chianti vineyards, Siena is one of the most charming and most famous cities in Tuscany. Built on three hilltops, its boulevards and narrow alleys lead to Piazza del Campo and all the other beautiful historical buildings in Siena, like the Duomo (the Cathedral), the Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala (one of the first hospitals in Europe) and the Università di Siena (one of Europe’s oldest universities).
Every year from the 2nd of July to the 16th of August, Siena traditionally celebrates its history and patrons with the Palio, a secular horse race connected to the origin of the Contradas of Siena (districts into which the town is divided), in which each rider wears the coat of arms of his Contrada.
Siena was initially divided in areas named “Terzi” (Thirds).
The first of the three, Terzo di Città was the first area of the city to be inhabited. The Duomo, an imposing black and white marble cathedral, the museum of Sanat Maria della Scala, set in the old hospital’s premises, and the Palazzo delle Papesse, which houses the Centro d’Arte Contemporanea (the Contemporary Art Gallery), all belong to the Terzo di Città area.
Terzo di Camollia takes its name from Porta Camollia, one of the city gates, which was fortressed and constantly under surveillance, as it opens onto one of the roads leading to Florence, the city’s old-time rival. Amongst other interesting sites, Terzo di Camollia is famous for Siena’s most popular high streets, Via Banchi di Sopra, Piazza Salimbeni e Piazza Tolomei. Other places of interest in this Terzo are its numerous basilicas: S. Maria in Provenzano, which on the 2nd of July is celebrated with the first horse race of the Palio, S. Francesco, S. Domenico, and La Fortezza, an imposing fortress.
Terzo di San Martino and Piazza del Campo: built on the Via Francigena, the historical pilgrimage itinerary leading from Canterbury to Rome, this area is the heart of the city. Piazza del Campo (The Field Square) takes its name from the large fields on which it was built, and is where the Palio takes place. In Piazza del Campo we also find the Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palazzo), which houses the City Hall, and the Torre del Mangia, a tower with magnificent views over the city and the famous fountain, Fonte Gaia.
