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Siena
The city of Siena in the Tuscan valley regions of Italy is home to a world-renown UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its medieval heritage that stands perserved in the present day. The Sienese people have been fiercely proud of this unique heritage as part of its roots as an independent state.
In the summer months the town’s main square, the Piazza del Campo, comes alive as it did in the Middle Ages when it stages Il Palio, an annual colorful horse race. The locals are all affiliated with their contrada where since the 11th Century, they have been hotly competing in flag throwing and horse racing. In the past, such loyalty and rivalry was mainly to acquire power, but today it is done in the spirit of community pride.
In the vicinity of the Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico is home to the centuries old city hall preserved wonderfully from its regal past as a palace.
Siena’s Duomo (Cathedral) is one of the greatests exhibits of the Romanesque style of architecture, with its pulpit created by famous Renaissance scupture Nicola Pisano. Frescoes line the walls from the masters of Rennaissance art, and the museum houses other art work by Sienese masters.
A trip to a Siena will not be complete without pleasing those with a sweet tooth at a nearby shop or at the farmers market. The local panforte is a must-taste made of honey, almonds, candied friut, nuts and spices which gives the cake a dense consistency. For treats to take along through the breathtaking strolls in the village, there are almond paste cookies called ricciarelli, shaped as the eyes of the madonna on its tower frescoes.
