Siena: The city of Palio

Siena is 322 mt. above the sea level. The origin of the city is still uncertain. Many historical evidences tell about an ancient Etruscan settlement called Sena, settled at the border between the territory of Volterra, Arezzo and Chiusi, that was conquered by the Romans in Augustus times and took the name of Sena Iulia.

Since the X century the city of Siena had a heavy demographic, economic and politic development, due to its position along the road "Romea" or "Francigena".
Siena, from the architectonical and artistic point of view, reached its maximum brightness in the decennials around the XIV century and during this period were built the most of the monuments, the constructions of the Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico (that before was called Palazzo dei Signori), the Cathedral, the tower Mangia. During these years the "Maestà" of Duccio was painted.

Siena is famous for its 17 "contrade" and for the Palio, that takes place the 2nd of July and the 16th of August of each year.

The Santa Maria della Scala was an hospital for the pilgrims and nowadays is become an important museum.