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Is your idea of a romantic destination a deserted beach? A stroll along the
Danube or a sun-dappled cruise to Tahiti? Or if you're looking for something
a little off the beaten path, you may wish to consider the distinctly medieval
city of Siena for your next romantic journey.
Siena, with a population of 54,000, is situated in the heart of Tuscany (70
km. from Florence and 231 km. from Rome) along the Cassia Way. Once an Etruscan
city and Roman settlement, this breathtaking city preserves its medieval origins
in its ancient architecture, warm red brick squares and narrow twisting alleyways.
Although rich in history, Siena enjoys all the modern comforts with its charming
hotels, cafes, wineries and small inns called "trattorie". Pubs,
wine bars, restaurants and open-air coffee shops abound in the famous Piazza
del Campo. The shell-shaped square, built on the site of an ancient Roman forum,
is the centre of Sienese city life and government. Every August, the famous
horse race Palio di Siena is held here.
One of Siena's oldest meeting places is the Enoteca Italiana, located
inside the Fortezza Medicea. Built on the request of Cosimo De' Medici
in the second half of the 16th century, visitors can taste excellent rare wines
and view the massive collection of precious labels stored for decades in the
various exhibition rooms.
Palaces, museums and charming attractions
Siena has no shortage of fascinating historical buildings, churches, monuments
and museums. Here is a sampling:
The Cathedral of Siena
Considered one of the finest examples of Italian Romanesque architecture, Siena's
cathedral, the Duomo, was built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The
building hosts works by Donatello, Pisano and Arnolfo di Cambio. Beautifully
preserved renaissance frescos by Ghirlandaio can be found in within the Sacristy.
Museum Opera del Duomo of Siena
Located near the Cathedral, the museum houses Duccio's famous Maesta (1308-1311)
and various other works by Senese masters. Other important works include pieces
by Pisano and Jacopa della Ouercia.
The Mangia's Tower (Torre del Mangia)
Built between 1338 and 1348, the tower was named in honor of its first bell-ringer,
known as Mangiaguadagni. Visitors can climb the 400 steps to the top of the
tower for a breathtaking view of the city.
The Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens were created in 1588 so doctors of the time could study
the therapeutic properties of many officinal plants. Today the garden is more
than three times the size of the initial garden and holds thousands of exotic
and non-exotic plants.
Palazzo Pubblico
Completed at the beginning of the 14th century, this charming palazzo contains
frescoes by Simone Martini.
The delights of Siena go well beyond the city centre. The gentle hills of the
Siena Chianti area are abundant with vineyards, centuries-old oak woods and
charming Medieval villages. Local specialties include the famous Chianti wine,
tasty cinta senese (a breed of pigs bred only in Chianti) and strong sheep cheese.
IF YOU WANT TO GO
- By train: Siena is well connected to Rome and Florence by train.
- By bus: Buses are available direct to and from Florence (a one hour
trip) and also from Rome (3 hours), Milan (4 and a half hours)
- By air: The nearest international airport is Florence's "Amerigo
Vespucci" (FLR). It connects with all major Italian airports and 13 European
destinations. From the airport there is a direct coach bus service for Siena
offered by Train (tel. +39.0577.204111) or take the train from Florence S.M.
Novella station. Trains are also available from Pisa International Airport (PSA).
Note to drivers: Almost no traffic is permitted within the Siena city centre,
but to facilitate visitors, several large car parks are located immediately
outside the city walls. The "La Fortezza" car park is closest to the
centre, and is free of charge. Commercial traffic is permitted within the city
only in the morning hours, while in the afternoon pedestrians dominate.
LINKS
www.travelplan.it/siena_guide_getting_there.htm
www.italyguides.it/us/siena_italy/siena_italy.htm
READ MORE
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