Siena (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Siena with descriptions, guides and maps.

Siena (Italy)

Shopping and shopping

Popular purchases in Siena are leather goods, gold, ties, tapestries and embroidery, fabrics. A huge market is held every Wednesday in the Fortezza Mediceana area from approximately 7:00 to 14:00. There are many shops in the center, including well-known international and European brands.


Food and drink

Tuscany is a renowned gastronomic region with special cuisine. Siena, of course, has excellent restaurants and inexpensive trattorias and pizzerias with Tuscan and Italian cuisine. Traditional dishes: acquacotta (soup made from onions, vegetables, eggs with olive oil and toasted bread), arista alla fiorentina (Florentine pork with garlic and rosemary), bistecca alla fiorentina (fried steak), bruschetta (toast with tomato and basil ), castagnaccio (chestnut flour tortilla with rosemary, olive oil, pine nuts), panzanella (salad with country bread, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions), fagioli all "uccelletto (beans with tomatoes and sage), ribollita (white bean soup , black cabbage and greens), trippa alla fiorentina (tomato sauce with grated parmesan), zuppa di farro (delicious soup with beans, chickpeas and tomatoes) The meal is usually accompanied by a glass of Chianti Valley wine.

sights

Piazza del Campo is a wide and spacious square, the heart of the old town. It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, surrounded by the facades of historic palaces, dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico. The square houses the Fonte Gaia fountain, restored in the 19th century. Piazza del Campo was founded in 1300 and has been the center of city life for many centuries.


Palazzo Pubblico is a Gothic town hall built in the late 13th - early 14th century from travertine and brick. In the center of the first floor is the coat of arms of the Medici family, who ruled Siena in the 16th century as the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. The interior of Palazzo Pubblico has been remarkably well preserved. Here you can look at the ancient frescoes and visit the museum of the history of the city. The architectural dominant feature of the town hall is the high tower of Torre del Mangia. It has a height of 102 meters, and to climb to its observation deck, you need to overcome 400 steps.


Santa Maria Assunta is a cathedral built by Giovanni Pisano. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the Gothic style in Italy. The cathedral has a marble façade made of strips of marble of different colors. It contains more masterpieces and artistic treasures than many prestigious museums: works by Pisano, masterpieces by Donatello, Bernini and many others. One of the most unusual things in Siena is the unfinished facade of the cathedral, which in the 14th century was supposed to expand the existing church and create a new nave, 100 meters long, leaving the original nave as a transept of this giant building.


The baptistery is located next to the cathedral. Built in 1325, it is one of the most important religious sites in Siena. There are old frescoes inside.

National Gallery - housed within the walls of an elegant 15th century Gothic palazzo. Contains paintings by Sienese artists from the 12th to 16th centuries.


San Dominico is a strict brick building in the Cistercian Gothic style, built in the 13th century. In 1340, a Venetian bell tower was erected, which stands out in the architecture of the church.

San Francesco is a Gothic church, the construction of which was started by the Franciscan order in 1326 and lasted until the 15th century. The bell tower was built in the 18th century. The church is adjacent to the Oratorio di San Bernardino, built in the 15th century. The Franciscan monk Bernardino of Siena often preached here. The top floor features impressive 16th century frescoes.


Santa Maria della Scala is a church and ancient hospital built in the 13th century and radically rebuilt in the 15th century. It is considered one of the first hospitals in Europe and one of the oldest in the world that is still in operation. On the main apse is a large 18th century fresco by Sebastian Konka. At the altar, pay attention to the bronze Christ by Vecchietta. This is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, which has been compared to the works of the genius Donatello.


Monastery of St. Catherine's Church was built on the site where the home of one of the most revered saints of the Roman Catholic Church stood. Catherine was born in Siena and was the daughter of a local dyer.


Santa Maria degli Servi is a Romanesque-Gothic church located in the southeastern part of the old town of Siena. It was built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 15-16th centuries. The interior of the church is decorated with several interesting works of art. Nearby are the imposing Porta Romano, the ancient city gate.


Salimbeni is a Gothic palace on the square of the same name, which is formed by the facades of three historical buildings. Until the 18th century, the square itself was a palace garden. The Palazzo Salimbeni houses the head office of the Monte dei Pasci di Siena bank, one of the oldest in Italy, founded in 1472.

Modern Siena in Italy(Siena) is a tourist center and at the same time a university town, which in the past was the capital of the Siena Republic. In my opinion, the main attraction of siena is its well-preserved medieval center. This happened due to the lack of construction in the historical part of the city in our time. Although the official tourist sites of Piazza del Campo, the town hall with the Torre del Mangia tower and the Duomo di Siena are undoubtedly worth a visit. If you are in Siena in good weather, then you should definitely admire the town hall, wallowing in the central square of the city.


The bell tower of Siena Cathedral is visible from everywhere.

The historic center of Siena is 322 meters above sea level and dominates the rest of the city. It can be accessed using narrow escalators, which are located near the Porta Fontebranda gate.

Quiet medieval streets, but with markings on them for parking cars.

The center of the city is Piazza del Campo, where the traditional Palio horse races take place twice a year.

The town hall tower Torre del Mangia is the architectural dominant of the square.

The area has the shape of a half-funnel. It is very convenient to sit and relax on it, admiring the town hall.

From above, gutters in the form of she-wolves, which are the symbol of the city of Siena along with Rome, look at the seated ones.

At the bottom of the funnel, a large drain is regularly located.

Tap with drinking water in the square.

Street cafes hide from the sun under folding canopies attached to the walls.

The houses on the square merge into a single façade; there is no passage between them.

And here is the Capitoline she-wolf herself, who, according to the Roman legend, nursed Romulus and Remus. The sons of Remus, in turn, founded Siena. A she-wolf is also depicted on the coat of arms of Italian Siena.

The symbol of the city is placed on a high stele next to the duomo.

Siena Cathedral has a facade characteristic of 13th century Italy, similar to those found in many churches during.

The bell tower, which was visible at the entrance to the city.

On the floor inside the image of the coat of arms of the city, surrounded by the coats of arms of the nearest cities.

Panorama of the cathedral.

In a separate room there is an exhibition of old church books. Calligraphers of the time placed surprisingly little text on a single page, although paper was significantly more expensive and rare than it is today.

A dome in the form of a starry sky with a lighting window in the middle.

Font decorated with beautiful carvings.

Giovanni Pisano took an active part in the construction of the cathedral, therefore the department has related features with the pulpits from.

Instructions on how to put candles correctly.

After seeing the main sights of Siena, we headed down from the old town on foot, looking around along the way. Drainage micro grid.

Solar powered sign.

The tap at the water column is made in the shape of a wolf's head.

The view around. The abundance of greenery is striking, provided that there is not a single reservoir in the city.

Hiking downhill from the historical part. Looking back, you immediately feel the bias. No wonder they made an escalator for tourists.

The Fonte Branda fountain, despite its beautiful name, served an absolutely utilitarian purpose - providing city residents with water. According to the description, it should have three levels: on the first, people drank, on the second, animals, and the third served for washing.

Sienna Is a beautiful city in the province of Tuscany, which has been competing for a long time for the place of the most cultural, charming, scientific or commercial center. This, by the way, stimulated the development of the city. Siena has become for me a town with an interesting history, thanks to the preserved photos and sights that I saw, which convey the spirit and atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Today I will try to introduce you to this incredible place in Tuscany and tell you where you can have a good rest with children.

Cultural and historical landmarks

For many centuries the Sienese have tried carefully preserve the gothic look of the city, the creation of which dates back to the XII-XV centuries, for which many thanks to them. After all, this is one of the few cities that has preserved its history in its sights. Siena was able to preserve the unshakable fine art of that time. There are many famous and talented artists among the graduates of the Siena School. I will share exactly what struck me with the sights of Siena.

Architecture

Palazzo Publico- the palace, which houses the municipality of the city, is simply impossible to pass by. It was built in the beginning XIV century and liked its long, slightly concave facade, crowned with battlements, a bit reminiscent of a fortress. The elegance of the palace look was achieved by the large openwork windows. The hand of a talented craftsman is visible in a large solar disk with the monogram of Christ on the facade of the building. The palace is also attracted by the adjoining snow-white marble chapel in honor of the Virgin Mary, the corner 102-meter tower-bell tower La Mangia, unusually elegant and slender, the upper part of which is marble. Having overcome 500 steps, smog admire the most beautiful panorama of the city on the observation deck.

Palazzo Salimbeni- another historical building, very similar to the old fortress, which is occupied by the office of the oldest bank “Monte dei Paschi di Siena”. The three-storey palace was built in XIV century, but already in the 19th century it was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style and decorated with some elements reminiscent of crenellated loopholes, blind arches and triple vaulted windows, the inspiration for which the architect received from the Palazzo Pubblico he saw. Already in the next century, the building received a new Gothic look thanks to the architect Pierluigi Spadolini and on behalf of the bank's leaders. On the middle floor, you can see wonderful windows, and on them are impressive pointed arches and the coats of arms of the noble families of the city.


The luxurious 17th century estate shocked me with its architecture - Villa Cetinale... At first it was a modest dwelling with agricultural land, and then, towards the end of the 17th century, the architect Carlo Fontana gave the building a baroque style and for two and a half centuries the estate was owned by the Kigi-Dzonadari family. Only in the second half of the 20th century, the Englishman Anthony Lambton bought the villa and carefully restored it. It also tidies up the garden located around it, which has six alleys with various monuments and statues.


I advise you to take the time to inspect such other structures:

  • Sansedoni Palaces opposite the Palace of the Commune, Chigi Saracini near the main square of Campo, Chigi Zondadari and d'Elci degli Alessi in Piazza Campo, Piccolomini in Banchi di Sotto, Spannokchi in Via Banchi di Sopra and Tantucci in Salimbena square.
  • City gate San Marco on Via Massetana.
  • Double entrance gates to counter the Panther in the historical part of the city.
  • Abbey of San Galgano 30 kilometers from Siena.

Monuments

Center of Salimbeni Square rich in many historical sites, and Sallusto Bandini monument is one of them. It was erected in honor of an outstanding religious figure, politician and economist of the 18th century, who took an honorable place in Italy. Sallusto did a lot for Siena, for example, he founded the city library, donating many collections of books and scientific works. The statue, made of marble and decorated with columns and stucco elements, dates from 1882, its creator was sculptor Tito Sarrocci.

Monument to Sallusto Bandini
The facade of one of the houses on Conte square attracted by the installed home icon with depicting the Virgin Mary, which is called the Madonna of the Crow. It got this name because in 1348 a dead raven was found in the same place, which became a harbinger of a terrible plague. Of the 80 contrades of Siena, not so many survived the plague. This monument reminds many of the history of the city.

Also, find interesting monuments around the city:

  • Contras of the She-Wolf.
  • Fountains Contrada Panther and Contras Turtle.

Museums

I am very glad that I managed to visit in the Campo square Siena City Museum, located in the building of the old Palazzo Pubblico. The museum has real masterpieces by the masters of the Sienese school of the XIV-XVI centuries - sculptures, coins, weapons, jewelry, clay and ceramics.

In the department called Peace Room was able to see the grandiose "Maesta" and the famous "Guidoriccio da Fogliano" by Simone Martini.


In the next door Room of nine where the legendary Council of Nine met in the XIII-XIV centuries, there are frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, which adorn the walls very beautifully.

Surprised that for an art gallery - National Pinakothek- two whole buildings were allocated. The main thing is represented by the medieval Buonsignori Palace, built in the 15th century in the late Gothic style, which is visible in the elements of the facade. The other - built in the XIV century - Palazzo Brigidi previously owned by the Pannokieski family. Inside, you can find a diverse collection of paintings from Giuseppe Ciaccheri, Di Paolo, Memmi, Buoninsegna, Sodoma and both Lorenzetti. Among the gallery's exhibits are many works by famous Dutch, Flemish and other, as well as a permanent exhibition of Sienese sculpture of the XIV-XV centuries.


Take the time to look also:

  • Museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala on Via Francigena.
  • Opera del Duomo Museum in the arcades of the right nave of the New Duomo.
  • Museum of the Contrada Tower next to Contrada's headquarters.

Religious buildings

Standing out against the background of other attractions in Siena her Cathedral... The construction of this cross-domed Gothic temple dates back to the middle XIII century. The domed lantern of the cathedral was made by the greatest Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The cathedral surprised me with its whiteness, which became possible due to the marble façade, but in some places this richly decorated façade also has elements of red marble. Inside the cathedral, I was impressed by the mosaic floor and statue of John the Baptist by Donatello.


It turned out to be no less majestic Basilica of Saint Dominic(San Domenico), which dates back to the XIII century and was built for almost 30 years, but already in the XIV century, the building was expanded and given features of the Gothic style. In subsequent years, the church was subjected to fire, then destruction, and in each case received its own special style. So, in the XVII-XVIII centuries, it was transformed into a baroque style. Minor basilica rank the temple received in 1925 year by ourselves Pope Pius XI... Today, one of the main shrines that many want to look at when visiting it is the relics of St. Catherine of Siena.


If possible, do not pass by such religious buildings:

  • Church of Our Lady of the Rosary on the territory of the "Snail" contrada.
  • Basilicas of San Clemente in Santa Maria dei Servi on Via Val di Montone.
  • Churches of Santa Maria di Provenzano in Provenzano Salvani square.
  • Baptistery of San Giovanni nearby Siena Cathedral.
  • Churches of san sebastiano on Via Fosso di Sant'Ansano.
  • Churches of St. Augustine at the end of Via San Pietro.
  • Christopher churches in Tolomei square.

What a tourist can see in Siena in 1 day

In Siena, many attractions are concentrated in one place, so use this itinerary to avoid wasting time.

  • Piazza del Campo, where most of the historical sites are located, including the City Hall - Palazzo Pubblico and the slender tower of Torre del Mangia.
  • In the building of the Publico Palace - Civico City Museum.
  • On the same square - Piccolomini Palace and Chigi-Sarachini castle.
  • In Piazza Duomo next to Piazza Campo - Siena cathedral with white marble lace front, Baptistery of John the Baptist and Hospital Santa Maria della Scala.
  • Turn right from the main entrance to the Cathedral of Siena - Basilica of St. Dominic with the relics of Catherine of Siena and very close Basilica of St. Francis.

Video about the city of Siena and its attractions

Small, narrow streets and old churches, many fountains with animal sculptures - symbols of the districts. But what captivated me most of all in Siena is the area where you can just lie down ... I think you will like it too!

Where to go with children

Siena is a very historical place, but nevertheless we found objects where you can have fun with your child.

  • Botanical Garden with fruits, olives and Chianti grapes, tropical plant species in three greenhouses, and the Rock Garden and Fern Forest.
  • Many shops with traditional sweets "panforte" (classic) and "panpepato" (chocolate), which your sweet tooth will love.
  • Val d'Orcia cultural landscape with incredibly beautiful nature, Monte Amiata mountain and a World Heritage site - the town of Pienza. The child will remember these beauties for a long time.
  • Contrades of Siena- find all of them. It will be very exciting.

Contrades of Siena

The truth is they say that you really appreciate all the beauty of the city only after a while, as you visit it. This was the case in my case with Siena, whose historical sights are truly delightful. What else do you recommend to see in Siena and where is it worth visiting? I look forward to your suggestions in the comments.

Senius fled from the pursuit of Romulus, who killed Remus, and found refuge in these parts. Since then, the Roman she-wolf has become the symbol of Siena.
The picturesque territories were liked by the Etruscans, who founded their city here. Later it was conquered by the Romans, establishing a colony under Emperor Octavian Augustus. Saena lulia.
The road leading through Siena to Rome contributed to the development of commercial and trade relations. In the 10th century, the city became an important center. In the centuries that followed, Siena grew, new buildings were built, and lucrative alliances were formed. The city has always had excellent relations with the Papal States, which had a good effect on the economic situation. The only obstacle preventing the further prosperity of Siena was a strong neighbor in the person of the eternal rival Florence.
In the XII century, Tuscany was torn apart by showdowns between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. And Siena also became a theater of war and intrigue.
The 13th century brought the maximum peak of the city's cultural and economic development.
But in 1348, a terrible plague epidemic broke out, which mowed down most of the population. From this blow, the Siena Republic could not recover, its slow decline began.
In 1472, the oldest operating bank in Italy and the world, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, was formed in Siena.
April 21, 1555 was the last day of the Siena Republic. For more than a year, Siena was in a state of siege, but because of the famine she was forced to surrender to Florence and become part of the Duchy of Tuscany.
In 1624, a University was opened in Siena, which is considered one of the oldest in Italy.
In 1737, Jean Gaston de Medici died, he left no heirs behind him, and power passed to the Habsburg-Lorraine house.
1799-1800 went down in history as the Napoleonic period.
In 1859, Siena became part of the united Italy, becoming the first Tuscan city to join the young state.

Most of the buildings and structures in Siena date back to the XII-XIV centuries. Duccio, brothers Lorenzetti and Simone Martini decorated the streets with beautiful architectural structures. In the 15th century, when the role of Siena became less significant, and the economic situation worsened, construction slowed down, new buildings were practically not erected, which played into the hands of modern tourists - Siena retained its medieval appearance, made up of narrow streets, stone houses and gloomy palazzo.
The city can be called an open-air museum, where it is easy and fun to study history through architectural elements, significant buildings and urban plan.

The central square of Siena is the famous piazza del Campo... The huge fan spreads out in nine segments, forming a characteristic shell.

One of the historical documents from 1169 says that the area is used as "Fields for the Palio"... Campo translates from Italian as "field". Until the end of the 13th century, fairs and festivals were held on the square, there was an exuberant trade, and its appearance barely resembled the one we see now. In 1287, the government of the Nine decided to improve Siena, and the square fell under the reconstruction plan, which was divided into two parts - piazza del Campo and piazza del Mercato. They erected the City Palace (Palazzo Communale), which became the mayor's residence, and added a tower to it. A fountain was installed in 1346.
The government of Siena has issued an aesthetically important law, according to which all facades must be made in the same style, have given intervals and distances, and be combined in architectural design.
At that time, an unusual shape of the square developed, where the three main streets of Siena converged. The square is divided into nine sectors, in honor of the Government of the Nine, and separated from each other by white stripes. The diameter of the square was 333 meters.
Nowadays on piazza del Campo the famous Siena Palio passes, i.e. horse racing in which all quarters (contrades) of Siena participate. By the way, the square itself is a "neutral" territory and is not included in any of the contrasts.

A red palazzo with a high tower catches the eye. This is the city palace, built in 1288-1309, which served as the seat of the government of the Nine. The government of the Nine lasted from 1287 to 1355, although it was called "good government", this period ended with an economic crisis.
Inside the palazzo, there is a city museum, which contains an art collection of local creators.
The tower called Torre del mangia, was added in 1325. It is considered one of the tallest in Italy. More precisely, it takes third place and has a height of 88 meters. (See "The tallest bell towers in Italy").
In fact, the tower is a bell tower. Historically, the Siena Bell is called mangia, from the verb mangiare, i.e. "there is". Because the first bell ringer was famous for his love of delicious food. And, despite the fact that it did not work for long, the name has survived to this day.
In 1798, a devastating earthquake struck Siena, but the tower remained intact.

In 1349, the first bell was hoisted on the tower, in 1666 it was replaced with a new one, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The huge bell weighs almost 7 tons. In the usual way, it is only when the Palio starts, which is a signal of the upcoming races. The rest of the time, a mechanical hammer strikes the bell.
Until 1425, the hammer was made of metal, and then it was replaced by a stone hammer, which is now kept in Palazzo Comunale. The current hammer has been in use since 1780.


Let's not rush to leave the square, among the many bars, restaurants and wineries, there are some more sights here.
At the foot of the tower stands Marble chapel, erected in 1352 as a token of gratitude to the Virgin Mary from deliverance from the plague, the one that destroyed most of the population of Siena.
Attracts attention fountain "Source of Joy", established in 1386. It became the first city fountain in Siena. Its name comes from the emotions experienced by the inhabitants. In 1409-19 the fountain was decorated with magnificent statues and reliefs by Jacopo della Quercia. Now we see copies made in 1868 by Tito Sarrochi.


Fountain "Source of Joy".

Let's go through Via del Porrionee.
In the quarter that delineate Via del Porrionee and Via di Salicotto, in the XVI century was located Jewish ghetto... Narrow dark alleys, sloping streets and a series of staircases are characteristic features.


Sienna. Tuscany.


Sienna. Tuscany.

In 1929, during the era of fascism, some streets were redesigned, resulting in a mixture of architectural opposites.

Let's enter the ghetto by Vicolo delle scotte, which is a narrow and steep descent, along which there are old buildings, connected by arches and vaults. House number 14 is located Synagogue.
Let's continue the route along Via degli Archi (Aroc street) heading towards the city garden along a long and narrow alley Vicolo della Fortuna (Lane of Fortune)... Admire the pretty views of the Mangia Tower and the Sienese rooftops.
Next, we will overcome the steep Vicolo di Codaci which leads to Via di Salicotto- a long street connecting to the piazza del Campo, but we will go in the opposite direction.
On this street open up panoramas of Siena and the green valley.

We are now in the Contra Tower (Torre). In one of the small squares you can see the symbol - an elephant with a tower on its back.


Contrada Tower

Siena is split into 17 contrads, i.e. quarters. In the XIII century, there were 23 of them, each of them had to provide the troops with food. Nowadays, the contrada remained as administrative units within which significant events are celebrated, for example, a child, a wedding or a funeral. Each contrada has its own museum, symbol, flag, fountain, church and square.

We go to Via Pagliaresi, its name comes from the surname of a noble family who lived here in the XIV century.


Approximately in the middle of the street is crossed by a dead end Lane Jewelers (Vicolo degli Orefici)... It is buried in greenery and flowers, shelters from the sun with stone arches and old houses, but the most interesting is at the end of the alley. The medieval pipeline system has been preserved here.


Siena's medieval pipeline (pictured above left).

Let's return from the alley to Via Pagliaresi.
From the street Via Pagliaresi turn right by via Roma and we'll get to Roman gate, the construction of which began in 1327.
Nearby is the fence of the former psychiatric hospital, built in the 19th century on the basis of the monastery of St. Nicholas.


Former psychiatric hospital and the Roman Gate (left).

The hospital grew very quickly, the number of patients became more and more, so a real "city of madmen" with streets, craft workshops, laundries and trattorias appeared rather. Occupational therapy has been a fundamental factor in treatment. Until now, old signs and signs have survived, rusted from time to time.


Garden de Pecci once belonged to a hospital. Now there is a vegetable garden and a mini-zoo in which an eternally hungry donkey lives. He eats carrots and grass with pleasure, so bring a treat with you if you decide to visit the zoo.


Garden de Pecci.

We will leave the territory of the former psychiatric hospital and slightly return along the street along which we came before the first turn to the left (Via Val di Montone)... A steep climb with a ladder leads us to Basilica di San Clemente in Santa Maria dei Servi.


Servites, i.e. monks of the order of the servants of the Virgin Mary appeared in Siena around 1250. At first they settled on the outskirts, outside the city walls, but the temple was erected inside the walls on the site of the current church of San Clemente. The construction of the basilica lasted three centuries, resulting in an architectural mix of different styles. Frescoes of the XIV century and art canvases of the XIII-XIV centuries have been preserved inside.

From the church begins via del Sole (Sunny street) that goes down. It leads to the second entrance to the garden de Pecs, but we will go further, overcoming a slight rise and go to Market Square (Piazza del Mercato).


A steep climb awaits us from the square. Via del Casato, which is one of the main streets of ancient Siena. It is divided into two parts - Sotto (lower) and Sopra (upper), at the place of division, the street turns left. Typical medieval houses are located around.


Sienna. Italy.

V lane Vicolo dei Percennesi you can find the dovetail-shaped teeth characteristic of ghibellines adorning the walls. This is the only place in Siena.

Via Casato di Sopra outputs to via P. A. Mattioli.
At the crossroads you can see fountain of contrada Turtle... During our route, we went through several contrads. But the observant traveler will notice that each contrada is distinguished by lanterns and small plaques on the walls of houses.

To the right of the street is Siena Pinakothek.
And on the left - Church of St. Augustine (Prato di Sant "Agostino) on the meadow of the same name. The meadow was once called "Ivy Road" (Via della Lellera), since all the buildings were entwined with ivy - "leller" in the local dialect. St. Augustine's Meadow is a wooded area that overlooks the Valdimontone Valley.
The Church of St. Augustine houses valuable artwork, including frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and one of the oldest organs in Siena.

Let's go back by Via P. A. Mattioli, in front of the Pinakothek, turn left, via Castelvecchi will lead to via Stalloreggi, here to the left.
Let's go along the long Via del Fosso di Sant "Ansano.


Sienna. Italy.

The ditch of St. Ansan, as the name of the street is translated from Italian. According to legend, the patron saint Siena Ansan escaped martyrdom here. The saint was sentenced to death and had to be boiled in boiling oil, but he emerged unharmed from the cauldron. The pagans did not stop there and beheaded Saint Ansan.
From the ground where his head fell, a source of holy water gushed out.

From here we already see the bell tower of the Cathedral, to which we are heading.
Piazzetta della Selva, stairs up Vicolo di San Girolamo, to the right Via dei Fusari and go out to the square Piazza del Duomo.

On Duomo square immediately attracts attention Cathedral.


It was erected in the XII century, although it is quite possible that a church on this site existed before. In 1313, a 77-meter high bell tower was added. A little later, the cathedral was expanded.
The facade of the Cathedral is covered with white marble with decorative elements made of red and green marble, designed by Giovanni Pisano in the Roman-Gothic style.
Now the cathedral is a museum that amazes with its wealth and splendor.
We will not dwell on each masterpiece, there are too many of them, we will note only a few.


In the left nave in the Piccolomini altar are works of young Michelangelo: Saint Peter and Saint Pius - on the left, Saint Paul and Saint Gregory the Great - on the right. Michelangelo at this time began to receive more important orders, so the altar remained unfinished.
In the right nave in the chapel of San Giovanni Batista - the sculpture of Saint Jonah Batista Donatello's work... Chapel Madonna del Voto completed designed by Bernini, there are also statues by the great sculpture - St. Mary Magdalene and St. Jerome.
Of particular interest is the floor of the cathedral, made in the technique of inlay. I would like to dwell on it in more detail.

"The most magnificent and luxurious floor ever made" - this is how Vasari said about the floor of the Cathedral of Siena.
But the floor amazes not only with its beauty, but also with the mystery of its esoteric symbols resembling tarot cards. Let's make a reservation right away that we are not talking about all squares.
The floor consists of 56 inlaid panels: marble tiles of different colors, which depict figures related to Christianity and paganism. It is not known why all this was placed on the floor of the cathedral. But it is clear that this was done with great love for symbols.
The work took place in the period from 1369 to 1547. 40 craftsmen worked on them. The floor was badly damaged by the feet of millions of visitors. The panels were completely restored (read, redone) in 1839.

Inspection route:

Central nave: 5 squares are notable: Hermes Trismegistus (1488, Giovanni di Stefano); Siena she-wolf with symbols of the allied cities (author unknown, remade by Leopoldo Maccari in 1864-65); Imperial Eagle (the original dates from the XIV century, the author is unknown, alteration after 1865); Allegory of the Hill of Wisdom (1505, Bernardino di Betto, named Pintoricchio); Wheel of Fortune.

In a large square there is a labyrinth, on a black background there is a figure of the Sage in a hat with a yellow border. The square dates from 1488 by Giovanni di Stefano.
At this time, they were fond of the works of Greek and Latin humanists. The sage is Hermes Trismegiste (Mercury)... This is confirmed by the inscription: HERMIS MERCURIUS TRIMEGISTUS.

With his right hand, he hands the open book to a barbarian in a turban and dress with a red border (a symbol of Eastern wisdom?). Behind him is another character, wrapped in a white tunic (a symbol of the West?).

The oldest tile is the one that shows Siena Wolf surrounded by symbols of the allied cities (1373).
The she-wolf feeds the twins Seno and Askio, shown against a red background. Siena's Roman heritage.
On a black background, allied cities are depicted, which were founded in the time of Tuscia: Perugia (stork), Viterbo (unicorn), Orvieto (goose), Arezzo (horse), Florence (lion), Lucca (panther), Pisa (hare), Rome (elephant).
The whole plot is enclosed in a large square, in the four corners of which there are animal symbols: a griffin - Grosseto, an eagle - Volterra, a dragon - Pistoia, a lion with lilies - Massa Marittima.

Square with imperial eagle: a huge white wheel on a black background, inscribed in a red square. In the center is the Eagle, which symbolizes the maximum power in the Middle Ages.

Allegory Hill of Wisdom... Colors play a big role here. White is the way, gray is the turbulent sea, black is the earth, red is the hill of Knowledge.
The pilgrims climbing the hill froze in various positions. Sleeps in a yellow-black turban, clutching a closed book. Another in a yellow hat with a strange object in his hands turns to Fortuna.
One brought a stick that resembles a tau cross - the Anthony cross. The first in line crawls on his knees, he is almost at the goal and sees a female figure on the throne, which personifies Knowledge.
The "wise men" also go this way, they must help Fortune, who is depicted as a naked woman on the right with inflating sails in her hands. On the left is a cornucopia.
Snakes, turtles, and various animals also follow the path.
The meaning of the square: the path to virtue is difficult and difficult, then whoever is persistent will be rewarded.

Square Wheel of Fortune depicted on a red background inscribed in a rhombus. A king in white robes on a throne with a sphere in his hands, which symbolizes power over the world and a scepter in the other hand. 4 ancient philosophers are depicted in the hexagons outside the wheel's range.

In the side aisles, ten images of Sibyls can be found, among them the Sibyl of Quma with her famous books.

Let's proceed further:
Herod's Hunt (1485, Benvenuto di Giovanni); Road of the Innocents (1482, Matteo di Giovanni); The History of Judith (1473, Francesco di Giorgio Martini); Samson's story (possibly 1426, Stefano di Giovanni called detto "il Sassetta").
Right under the dome that symbolizes the sky is a huge hexagon that symbolizes the earth.

Coming out of the Cathedral, we will see a long facade of red brick - this is former Hospital Santa Maria della Scala, one of the oldest in Europe. Now there is a museum complex, which houses archaeological and art exhibits.
Nearby baptistery of San Giovanni Batista, erected in the first half of the XIV century. It houses the sculptural works of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance - Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Yapoko della Quercia.

From the central entrance to the cathedral, turn right onto via Pellegrini, Further Via delle Terme, where the baths were located in the era of Ancient Rome.
Let's follow the signs to Saint Catherine's sanctuary which is on Costa di Sant "Antonio.


Here in 1347 Catherine Benincasa was born, canonized in 1461 by Pope Pius II. Saint Catherine of Siena is one of the most revered Catholic saints and the main patroness of Italy, known for writing more than 400 letters in mystical ecstasy, had a “divine mark” - “invisible” stigmata, flew during prayer and had a significant influence on church politics.

The wall of the house opposite is decorated with the image of the Madonna and the Goose. That's right, we are in the Goose contradiction.


Sienna. Italy.

From here it is very close to Basilica of St. Dominic (Basilica di San Domenico), located on the square of the same name, signs lead from the sanctuary to it. This is one of the most important churches Siena.


Basilica of St. Dominic. Sienna. Italy.

The basilica was erected in the 13th century, it contains an important relic - the head of St. Catherine of Siena... (The relics of the saint are in Rome in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva).
Dominican monks appeared in Siena in 1220. A few years later, they were given land to build a church. Later, the basilica was enlarged and given a Gothic appearance.
The church houses numerous works of art of interest.
Portrait of Catherine of Siena, painted by her friend Andrea Vani, by Sodom, Giovanni di Stefano and others.

The area around the basilica is rich in water sources. In the Middle Ages, textile craftsmen - spinners and dyers - settled here. For example, the father of St. Catherine, whose house was nearby, was a dyer. An abundance of water is a prerequisite for their work. Walking down from the Basilica of St. Dominic, you can see fontebrand fountain (in the photo above, at the foot of the hill, you can see a beautiful building with three arches and a lancet decoration on top), built in the XIII century in the wall, separating the contrada of the city.
Giovanni di Stefano erected a travertine fountain that has survived to this day. But at this place the fountain existed before, there is a mention of it in Dante's Divine Comedy.
The water is collected in three arched baths. From the first bath water could be drunk, the second bath served to quench the animals' thirst, and the third — the lowest — for washing. In addition, the water from the fountain was used for mills and fabric dyeing. Now every half hour the fountain "speaks", making the sounds of XIV century Siena.

If you went down to the fountain, then climb back to the Basilica of St.Dominic, from here a wide alley viale dei Mille along the stadium leads to the Medici fortress (Fortezza Medicea).
The Medici fortress, known as the Fort of St. Barbara, was built in 1561-63. by order of the Florentine Duke Cosimo I Medici.
The citadel, which was on this place before, withstood numerous attacks of enemies, in April 21, 1555, after a year's siege, surrendered. Cosimo I ordered the construction of a new fortress, the project was developed by the architect Baldasar Lanci. Until the 18th century. the fortress played a military role, after which it was opened for visits. In 1937, the citadel was restored and converted into a city park. Now there is a winery, exhibitions and concerts (for example, Siena Jazz).
The wine cellar located in the fortress - Enoteca Italiana - is one of the largest in Italy. In the ancient cellars there is a museum, where significant wines from all regions of Italy are presented (admission to the museum is free), you can taste wines in the bar, and seminars and master classes are constantly held in the wine cellar. (PS: the enoteca was closed in 2017.)


If you can break away from the excellent Tuscan wines, then we are left with the last point of the route - the Basilica of St. Francis and its Eucharistic miracle.

From the fortress through a green square with a sculpture of two horses (and in Siena everything "screams" about Palio), we find via Montenini, we go along it until the intersection with via Rossi which leads to Basilica of Saint Francis of Siena (Basilica di San Francesco a Siena) on piazza San Francesco.
The Basilica of Saint Francis is one of the most important religious buildings in Siena. The basilica was erected in the 13th century. in the Romanesque style, later it was given Gothic features.
A Eucharistic miracle is associated with the Basilica of St. Francis.
In 1730, thieves stole from the Church of St. Francis in Siena a silver monstrance in which liturgical bread (prosphora) was kept. The search lasted three days, after which the stolen was found in the church of Santa Maria di Provenzano in Siena in a begging box. The next day, the procession brought the prosphora back to the Church of St. Francis, where they are to this day.
In 1780, an examination was carried out to make sure that these were the very real prosphora. Then the miracle was recorded, consisting in the unusual safety of the consecrated bread, which for 50 years has not changed in any way and remained fresh.
A reliable and incorruptible commission checked the prosphora in 1789, 1889, 1815, 1854, 1914, 1922. And each time she was convinced that 223 prosphora were in excellent condition, initially there were 351 prosphora.
In 1950, the prosphora was placed in a new precious ark.

Palio
Since the XII century it was divided into three parts, thirds, converging on the central square. In turn, the thirds were subdivided into 17 contrads, autonomous regions, in fact, having the status of separate towns, each was assigned its own flag and coat of arms depicting a patron animal.
This division still exists today, along with traditions that have come from distant centuries. The inhabitants of different contrades have been competing with each other since ancient times, and devotion to their contrades sometimes reaches fanaticism.
The main event in which district rivalry reaches its peak is The annual equestrian competition in Siena on 2 July and 16 August - Palio.
Each contrada exhibits its horse with a rider in a medieval costume, but only ten contrada are selected for the race, the competition is held on Piazza del Campo, specially covered with sand for this occasion.
Twice a year Siena fever grips, locals and tourists are waiting for the decisive moment. Before Palio, in the church of each contrada, a service is held, at which riders are present along with horses, at the end of the service the priest proclaims: "Go and come back victorious!"
But with victory, only one of them will return, securing the glory of his contrade until the next Palio. Various events take place before and after the races, such as dinners set on long tables along the streets, costume parades and masquerades.

What to try in Siena:

Pasta is the most versatile and popular dish in Italian cuisine. But each region of Italy has its own pasta, in Siena this is pici- large spaghetti served with various sauces. Handcrafted pichi are prized, usually produced in the north of the province of Siena.
Vegetable soup - ribollita, a great dish for vegetarians. At the same time, there are also many meat dishes, especially game - wild boar, hare, roe deer.
A special part is Siena sweets, which are probably inferior only to Sicilian ones.
Famous Panforte- gingerbread made from dried fruits, nuts and spices. In the classic version, Margarita is white, but it can be with chocolate, hot spices and many other variations.
Ricciarelli- almond cakes, which appeared in the XIV century. at the Tuscan court. Legend mentions the cavalier Richardetto Della Gherardesca, who brought back the recipe from the Crusade. Richerelli are directly created for the sweet dessert wine Vin Santo, which is made from raisin grapes.
I would also like to mention tiramisu, the most famous Italian dessert. There is a version that tiramisu was first prepared in the 17th century. in Tuscany at the court of Cosimo II Medici.
Do not forget that Siena is located practically in the zone of production of the most prestigious wines not only in Italy, but also in the world - Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

As a rule, each area in Italy is famous not only for its own cuisine, but also for its craft.
In Siena, this is majolica... The production of ceramics here already existed in 1265. There were many workshops that made stemmed glasses decorated with plant and zoological motifs. And in 1510 they began to produce majolica, which was distinguished by its elegance and richness of decor. So a ceramic vessel made of Siena dating from 1510 in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. A stunningly beautiful thing.