Historic Centre of Siena

Siena, a city with a thousand colors, rich in history and culture, and possessing a nearly intact medieval charm, is nestled among the Tuscan hills. A city of intellect and an ideal destination for food lovers, Siena captivates even from a distance.
In 1995, UNESCO declared Siena a "masterpiece of dedication and inventiveness, in which the buildings have been designed to fit into the entire urban structure." The city has skillfully preserved important features of its medieval structure, which include a historic center enclosed by ancient walls built between the 14th and 16th centuries and a central square, Piazza del Campo, that leaves visitors in awe due to the abundance of monuments and sights to behold.
Siena's history began as a Roman military colony during the time of Emperor Augustus. However, it wasn't until the 10th century that Siena started gaining significant political and economic importance. The city was at the heart of vital trade routes, and it thrived, particularly during the turbulent years of conflict with nearby Florence. Great artists like Duccio di Boninsegna, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers had the opportunity to express their art in the city. In 1240, the University of Siena was founded with schools of medicine and law, making it one of the world's oldest universities.
Siena reached the pinnacle of its splendor under the rule of the Government of Nine, which came to power in 1287 and held it until 1355. During these golden years, Siena initiated the construction of marvelous monuments such as the Cathedral, the Public Palace, and the Mangia Tower.
The decline of the Republic of Siena began with the plague epidemic in 1384, which claimed three-fifths of the population. Siena's pride has never wavered, and the city is still tied to the historic division into districts within the medieval walls. The same 17 districts, each year since 1644, compete twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th in the iconic Palio di Siena, a medieval equestrian joust held in Piazza del Campo.
Siena's historic center, preserved for centuries, now appears almost as it did in the 14th century. Exploring the city begins at the magnificent Piazza del Campo, surrounded by imposing monuments that will captivate you for hours.
From the heart of Siena's social life, after taking some photos to capture the vibrant red hues enhanced by the sunlight, start by climbing the Mangia Tower with its 400 steps, offering an unforgettable panoramic view of the square and Siena's rooftops. Then, visit the Public Palace, which houses the Civic Museum and features masterpieces like Simone Martini's Maestà and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's fresco cycle Effects of Good and Bad Government.
Fonte Gaia is the city's first public fountain, and it's worth a souvenir photo before you wander through the narrow streets to the monumental complex of the Siena Cathedral. An exceptional example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals, the Cathedral houses sculptures by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. With a single admission ticket, you can access the Piccolomini Library and the Porta del Cielo, which had been closed to the public for centuries. If you're lucky, you might also have the chance to admire the cathedral's floor, typically uncovered for a few weeks each year, usually between June-July and August-October.
Take your time to admire every corner of the Cathedral, including a visit to the crypt, and continue to the nearby Baptistery of San Giovanni, descending a few steps. With its completely frescoed rib-vaulted naves, the Baptistery is one of the finest examples of Sienese painting from the 15th century.