Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears.

SIENA TOURIST INFORMATION

City: Siena 54.000 inhabitants) is situated in the very heart of Tuscany at 70 km. from Florence and 231 km. from Rome. The town lies 322 metres above sea level on top of three hills overlooking the Arbia and the Elsa valleys. It is rich in works of art and monuments. Previously an Etruscan city and Roman settlement, it has known economic and artistic prosperity during the Middle-Ages. Siena has been able to conserve its ancient medieval characteristics integrally: buildings, small squares, alleys, narrow streets, back-streets and best of all, the warm, rich colour of red bricks. The town is divided into seventeen districts called "Contrade ". Though old, Siena enjoys all modem comforts; she has good hotels and restaurants and many little inns called "trattorie" where prices are reasonable. Public offices are efficient and visitors welcome.

Siena must see sights:

The Cathedral of Siena is 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 made by famous artists. 

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, jewelry and illuminated manuscripts, which come from the Cathedral. Many important works by Pisano, Jacopo della Quercia and Duccio di Buoninsegna.

Battistero di San Giovanni - On the right side of the Cathedral, It preserves the fifteenth-century baptismal font by Jacopo della Quercia.  Rich interior with many frescos and works of art.

Pinacoteca  of Siena, picture gallery  is hosted in Palazzo Buonsignori, not far from the Cathedral and preserves many works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Pietro Lorenzetti, Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Simone Martini,  and  many more. 

Piazza del Campo  is one of the most beautiful piazzas of Italy and perhaps of the world. It is shaped like a large shell, paved with red bricks and divided into nine sections. This is the square where Sienese meet, the center of city life and government. It is dominated by the Tower, built in 1848 and 102 mt high, from which it is possible to admire the panorama of the entire  city. Twice a year, Siena's Palio horse race takes place here. 

Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall) built between 1297 and 1342, represents an important example of Gothic architecture in Tuscany.  The Palace is well conserved and hosts many frescoes by Sano di Pietro, Vecchietta, Simone Martini, Sodoma and Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

The Church of S. Domenico / The Church of S. Agostino / The Basilica of San Francesco  / Basilica dell' Osservanza / Museum of Natural History / Piazza Salimbeni / Palazzo Piccolomini / Church of Servi di Maria / Accademia Chigiana / Santa Caterina Sanctuary /

Distances: Florence 65 Km - Pisa 110 Km - Arezzo 65 Km

Correct name is Siena
Common mistakes are Sienna, Syenna, Senna

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