Touristic Informations about Siena

The historical informations about Siena

According to the legend Siena was founded from by Galli Senoni, but the historical testimonies assert it was an Etruscan takeover, called Sena, which to the time of Augusto was conquered by the Romans, taking so the name of Sena Iulia. It assumes great importance in frank age, where it became residence of a Lord. The demographic increment determined the expansion of the city nucleus on others two hills. The commerce and the accumulated riches carried to the social fights, that became an ideological conflict between the supporters of the Papacy and those of the Empire. Siena remained always Ghibellina in contrast to Florence, which was Guelfa. This was the topic of great crashs between the cities where Siena, after long battles, was defeats to Colle Val d'Elsa. Guelfi went up to the throne and they gave to the city a new government that allowed to give to the city an appearance remained integral during the centuries. Plague (1348) determines the forfeiture of the city with frequent changes of government. In the 1554 the city, besieged from the imperial army, was forced to the yield, when the population counted less than 10000 inhabitants. It passed under the dominion of Medici(1559) and followed the fortunes of the Granducato of Tuscany.

Palio

Siena is a medioeval city, and the testimony is the horse racing, Palio. Two times a year the 2nd July (Palio per la Madonna di Provenzano) and 16th August (Palio per l'Assunta) it carries out the historical contest of horses, known all over the world under the name: Il Palio di Siena in Piazza del Campo. It was born in XVII the century from the games of arm from the contradas. In XIII the century there were so many contradas asthe more important families (42) that in the course of the centuries were reduced. In the 1730 they came definitively decided the borders, managing the 17 contradas that there are still today. Only ten contrada participate to the contest: the seven that didn't participate the year before and others 3 that are choosed by lot. Every contrada organizes the evening before the contest an open supper. The day after, before the beginning of the contest, the horse of the race is accompained by the people of the contrada for the blessing to the parochial church.

What you can't miss in Siena

Walking through the narrow ancient streets you