|
 Founded
in Roman times, and forged by rivalry with Florence,
Siena survives as one of the most perfectly preserved medieval
cities in Europe Siena, like Rome,
is built on seven hills. One minute the city is laid out before
you and the next you are completely surrounded by ancient buildings.
Since the 13th century, in one of its most famous
sights and expressions of local pride, in July and August, jockeys from
the 17 parishes of the city race around the cental Piazza del Campo
in the no-holds-barred Palio delle Contrade.
The magnificent Duomo, planned and built to
eclipse the wonder and beauty of its Florentine counterpart, is one of
the most spectacular in Italy with an ornate facade and the sun symbol
of the risen Christ at the entrance. The interior is no less lavish with
the carved pulpit panels by Nicola Pisano depicting scenes from
"The Life of Christ", and the inlaid marble floor
depicting various scenes from the bible.
 It
is not just the history of Siena but also the quaint shops selling wild
boar, dried mushrooms, and all manner of delicacies, such as the
wonderful panifici (bakers) with the mouth-watering trays of panforte,
that make Siena such an exciting city to visit.
San Gimignano, situated on a hill between
Florence and Siena, visible from afar and itself commanding far-ranging
views, lies somewhat off the beaten tourist track and may therefore be
missed by many visitors. However, it is one of the most attractive small
towns in Tuscany, preserving a picturesque medieval aspect with
its circuit of walls and its 13 (originally 56) towers, once the
strongholds of noble families. With its
small size, narrow alleys, popular dual piazza in the center of town,
and castle (Rocca) fit for casual exploration and magnificent panoramas,
San Gimignano despite is a true jewel.
|
