Archive for 'Siena'

Siena, well known for its Palio and beautiful black and white striped Duomo, is a great place to consider for your next vacation. The area was first settled by the Etruscans more than two millenia ago and sacked by the Gauls of present day France, only to be retaken by the Romans around 70 A.D. where it was named "Saena Julia" and has remained a major town in the region ever since.

Siena is truly a medieval town. In the city center, traffic is kept to mainly foot traffic, the buildings are all kept in the same style and new buildings have to be designed similarly so there is no garish modern buildings to mar the historic facades of the city. During the Palio, the city is transported back in time and many of the citizens come out in medieval costume and parade through the streets during the events leading up to and including the race itself.

Banners are waved for each section of the city, as they cheer for their horse and rider, all confined within the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo that has been lined with dirt to form the racetrack. If you are lucky enough to find a rental during one of the two Palio's each year you will be treated to experience you will not soon forget.

During the rest of the year, there is still plenty to see, do, eat and enjoy in and around Siena. It is centrally located to many smaller Tuscan hill towns that are well-known destinations, such as Montepulciano or Montalcino (both of which should be visited by any wine lover). Be sure to take a look at our full listing of Siena Villas.     Read More

According to legend, Siena was founded by the sons of the fabled founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. One rode a black horse and the other a white horse, giving the city its symbolic colors that continue today in the symbol of the commune on its coat of arms. The city's colors and legends also live on in one of the most memorable sites the city has to offer: the Duomo di Siena. The Duomo di Siena was built with striped white and black marble, echoing the city's colors all the way up to the bell tower.

The impressive cathedral was built in many different spurts of construction, with additions after the departure of a former architect or artisan, as well as, when the church simply needed an expansion. One massive expansion was planned in the fourteenth century that would have doubled the size of the church as it is today, but unfortunately was not completed as the Black Death had finally visited fair Siena.     Read More

The tradition of the Palio dates back to medieval times, when most of the communities throughout Italy would have a local athletic competition between the contrades, or districts, of the town. Less populated areas would have the hamlets of a commune compete against one another. The traditions were typically a commemoration of an event that varied from town to town, some had jousts, archery tournaments, horse races, and even bull fights right in the city. Other cities have changed the traditions to slightly safer contests, much like Montepulciano's Bravio delle Botti.     Read More