Siena is a gorgeous city with a great spirit that can be felt as you twist and turn and lose yourself in Siena's winding alley ways and little streets.
Siena is an enchanting city filled with artworks of the Sienese school in churches and small museums.

Prominent all throughout the town is "burnt siena", a rich warm brown color that casts a blazing hue, especially dramatic on a sunny day in the Piazza del Campo.

Siena is a Gothic city shrouded in mystique. The legend says that Siena was founded by Senius, the son Remus, twin brother of Romulus. This is why the symbol of the she-wolf suckling the twins is almost as evident in Siena as it is in Rome. The story is most likely myth, as there has been found here remains of Etruscan habitation. Since the 13th century, Siena has been involved in a rivalry with nearby Florence. Siena was a Ghibelline city, supporters of the Roman Emperors, while neighboring Florence was Guelph, supporters of the Pope. The competition between the two very different cities has been fierce and violent at times. Siena is still sometimes compared to Florence, and really should not be!

Siena has a lovely world of its own to offer her guests. One part of that world is very characteristic of Siena's tendency to really go "over the top", the Palio.

The Palio is a horse race around the Piazza del Campo; it happens every year on July 2nd and August 16th and is an absolutely essential aspect of the culture of Siena and her competitive nature.
Gastronomically, Siena is known for panforte, a heavy cake made with nuts, honey, and candied fruit, and for some great Sienese variety salami.

Siena is also located very near areas which produce some excellent Tuscan wines such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the currently very popular Brunello di Montalcino.

Siena can be done in a day trip, but really appreciated over several days. So enter Siena's medieval walls through one of the eight city gates and discover her marvelous world of art, architecture, spirit and pride.

• Siena's Attractions
  
• Activities
  
  
• Siena City Guide