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| Siena, Tuscany, Italy |
Siena is a historic hilltop town established during the Etruscan civilisation, and is located approximately 80 kilometres south of Florence in the Tuscan region of the Italian Republic. It is a vibrant university city of 55,000 residents, and has been made famous by its authentic medieval buildings and city walls, and the excitement and pageantry of the annual horse races around the Piazza del Campo known as the Palio Festival. Siena is a popular tourist destination although even in the peak tourist season it isn’t overwhelmingly busy, which makes a trip here more relaxing and enjoyable, than some other similar towns!!
The city is built over three hilltops and is surrounded by an imposing medieval wall, which encloses many fantastic, historic and interesting buildings, intertwined with narrow streets and alleyways. The 12th century saw Siena in its heyday, at which time the Duomo and the Piazza del Campo were was constructed. The Duomo di Siena is one of the great examples of Italian Romanesque architecture, and in its time was meant to be the largest cathedral in Italy, however due to lack of money this idea was never fulfilled. The interior of the Duomo is stunning, and has to be seen to be believed, the floor is mosaic, the vaulted ceiling is decorated in blue with gold stars, the dome is golden, and there is a fantastic stained glass window of the Last Supper!! The well know Piazza del Campo, considered to be one of Europe’s most imposing town squares, is surrounded by medieval buildings creating an authentic backdrop for the famous annual horse races that occur in July and August, which are part of the pageantry of the Palio Festival. The Palio Festival has been running continuously since the mid 17th century, and is today still very popular and attracts thousands of spectators. From the 102 metre Torre del Mangia (the campanile or belltower) which lies adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico, it is possible to obtain fantastic views over the square and the city, and really appreciate its medieval look!! The Palazzo Pubblico is the focal point of the Piazza, and was constructed in the 13th century, with its upper storey having crenellated walls, and today houses an art museum which is known for its number of frescoes. Also constructed in the 13th century was Siena’s University, which still operates today and is well known for its law and medicine faculties.
Did you know??
On the Piazza Salimbeni lies an interesting building!! It is the Palazzo Salimbeni, which houses the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world’s oldest bank, established in 1472!!
Siena if famous for its ceramics and embroidery.
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| Tours |  |
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European Grandeur
27 days |  This is a well planned tour for those who want to see most of the popular places in Europe. Being long they have catered for many two night stays. The tour is very popular with visitors from the Southern Hemisphere who don't get a chance to visit Europe often. The tour also travels the opposite wa... |
Italy Bellissimo
11 days |  Another of Trafalgar’s most popular Italian holidays, this tour will reveal to you the effortless beauty of Venice, the rolling hills of Tuscany, grand historic structures in Rome, the beautiful Isle of Capri, Renaissance art in Florence and mystical Assisi where you’ll find St. Francis’ Basilica.
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Italian Escapade
13 days |  This popular tour suits both the first-time and the seasoned traveller who want a well paced and in depth tour of just one country. Italy has so much to offer in history, art and architecture not to mention the shopping. With only one, one night stay in Assisi the tour gives you plenty of time to ... |
Italian Treasures
10 days |  This holiday does not just include highlight cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, but also overnight stays in Lucca, and in St. Francis’ Assisi. All major sights have been included, such as St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum in Rome, Michelangelo’s David and the cathedral in Flore... |
Best of Italy
13 days | Come find out what makes this country a must-see destination for travellers all over the world! The ever-popular Rome and impressive Colossuem, romantic Venice with its charming backwaters, pretty Florence with its endless Renaissance art and the sunny Italian coast all await you.
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Splendors of Italy
9 days |  This tour is perfect for those travellers who want a good, quick look at Italy. There are two night stays in Rome, Venice and Florence.
Begin in Rome with included sightseeing visiting of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. On to charming Orvieto and its gothic cathedral, and Siena, set in the verd... |
Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily
15 days |  This tour of Italy and Sicily is an evenly paced tour with five two night stays. Whether you are a first time traveller or have seen a little of Italy before this tour will suit. After spending the first two nights in Rome you are off to Cassino and Naples to catch the overnight ferry to Sicily. ... |
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