Siena, Italy

This wondefully preserved medieval city is one of the many gems of Italy. It is often overshadowed by Florence or Rome. Not giving Siena its due respect and attention does it a great disservice. It is magnificant in its own right.

Twice each summer on July 2 and August 16 Siena becomes the hub of Italy. Part of the city is turned into a ten horse race and a staging of a traditional medieval test of courage and honor. This tradition dates back to the seventeenth century. There is pageantry, costumes, horses, knights in shining armor, and parties everywhere. The winning district not only has bragging rights for a year, it wins a silk banner that it can display until the next season. Thousands of people throng here for the sights, the partying, and the tradition. If this interests you, try to make your visit coincide with this wonderful ceremony. Beware it will be crowded and the fans do get very involved in the competitions. This tradition is very old and valued and not simply performed to draw tourists. The participants mean business.

If this busy time doesn’t interest you, come at another time to enjoy the city. If you enjoy walking, the city is a maze of nooks and crannies that will interest the tourist or the historian. Walk along these mazes and see Siena as it was hundreds of years ago.

If you can take heights, visit and climb to the top of the town bell tower called Torre del Mangia. It is double tiered and the observation deck affords you an incredible view of the city and the coutryside. Well worth the climb unless you have problems with heights. The stairs are very steep.

There is an old Roman market here that you should visit for its historical significance. The city is mainly made of stone but they are all of different hues which makes the city truly a sight to behold. Some of the stones are earth tones, but every once and a while you will see some that are of bold colors.

There are many fourteenth century buildings that are still being used today. This is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy.

One of the busiest places is the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo is a perfectly beautiful Catholic Church. School children from all around Italy are taken there to see the Church. There are also relics of St. Catherine at the Chiesa di San Domenico. When you visit no doubt you will see hordes of Catholic school children and nuns visiting both places. The Duomo has exquisite statues and mosaics on the outside.

When you step inside the Duomo, you are overwhelmed by the marble, the incredibly high ceiling, and the 220 busts of prior popes. The inlaid marble floor is generally protected from the thousands of people who come here every year.

Of course, the people here are very friendly. The food is delicious and the wine always great. Try to stay here long enough to see all of the sights and mingle with the people. There is a college here so something interesting is always going on.

Although Siena is not on the tip of everyones’ tongue when they plan to come to Italy, it should be. At least make it a two or three day side trip. You will be so glad you did.

Ellery Coleman