The beauty of Siena, the heart of Italian Tuscany, is so magnificent and multifaceted that one day will not be enough for you. The incredible architecture of the sights of Siena takes the traveler to the Middle Ages. Every building seems untouched since that distant time. So, what to see in Siena for the tourist who visited the city for the first time?
Piazza del Campo
This name is the main square of Siena, distinguished by an unusual shape, reminiscent of the nine-segment shell. In the XIV century, Piazza del Campo served in Siena as the central market square where life was boiling. Equestrian competitions, fairs, folk festivals, political gatherings were held here. By the way, the tradition is observed today. So, every year in July and August there is held the Palio - the legendary horse racing, in preparation for which the residents of all 17 quarters of the city take part. The modern area of Siena is filled with numerous shops and restaurants that blend harmoniously with the ensemble from the facades of medieval buildings. Due to the presence of a small slope from the square you can admire the marble chapel built in 1352, the tower of Torre del Manja and amazing natural scenery. A little further is the "Source of Joy" - a fountain that is a copy of the famous work by sculptor Jacoque of the Quarcha case. It combines elements of the Renaissance and Gothic.
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Torre del Mandja Tower
If you have enough strength to overcome four hundred steps, raising to a height of 88 meters, then you will be at the top of the tower of Torre del Manga, from which an incredibly breathtaking view of the entire Italian city opens. It was built in 1325-1348. According to the existing tradition at the base of the construction, the coins that brought good luck were immured. Each corner of the Torre del Manja is adorned with stones in which, in the Hebrew language and Latin, inscriptions are engraved, supposedly protecting the townspeople from lightning and thunder. For tourists, the tower is open during certain periods, and the ticket price is 7 euros.
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City Hall
The City Hall of Palazzo Publico adjoins the Tower of Torre del Manjo. It was built in Siena in 1297-1310. It is interesting that the city government immediately issued a decree requiring all owners of surrounding buildings to observe a single rule - no building can be higher and more beautiful than the Town Hall.
In 1425 the facade of the building was decorated with the monogram of Christ, under which the Medici coat of arms was placed in 1560. Today, the administration of Siena is located in the Palazzo Pubblico, and the theater and the City Museum are located on the ground floor. The latter is also a well-known landmark of the city. Here are the famous fresco allegories.
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Church of Siena
The Cathedral of the Sienese Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 12th-14th centuries, originally had to embody in its architecture the strength and luxury of the whole city. In the decoration of the facade of the Cathedral of Siena, black and white predominate - a symbiosis of Gothic and Romanesque. To the creation of arches, passing into high spiers, as well as sculptures that adorn the cathedral, Giovanni Pisano put his hand. Spiers, niches, a large central round window - the creation of the architect Giovanni di Cecco.
Behind the cathedral is the famous Baptistery, which in Siena is a cult building. From 1325, baptized townspeople here. The unique frescoes of the great sculptors, the font of marble and bronze, the majestic sculptures will necessarily leave an indelible mark in memory!
Among the churches of Siena, the House of St. Catherine is also noteworthy, transformed in 1461 into a temple. Here you can learn the story of the life of St. Catherine, displayed in frescoes and documents.
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If there is room for vivid emotions, visit the Cathedral Square, Santa Maria's old Santa Claus business, the city's Duomo museum and the church of St. Dominic.
You can visit the magnificent Siena with a passport and a Schengen visa .