According to the legends Siena has been founded by the sons of Remus (Senius and Acius). That is why Siena inherited the symbol of ancient Rome and today you can see the she-wolf mark over the city.
In reality the Siena originates from Etruscans settlement which in first century has been given to the veterans of Roman army by Emperor Augustus. So, we can say that Siena has the same origins like its rival – Florence.
In ancient times Siena laid in shadow of other cities in Italy. All changed in the Middle Ages when the city became one of the biggest cities in Europe. It’s hard to believe but were the times when Siena was bigger then Paris. City prospered thanks to its wool production, trade and financial institutions. Some of the biggest Italian banks were founded in Siena. And I would not be surprised if they still operate.
12th and 13th centuries were the greatest times in the history of Siena. Actually it was period when most famous monuments were created and Siena took its current shapes. In 1260 in the battle of Montaperti Siena defeated her main rival – Florence and had set her power over the central Italy.
I think that these attainments in the industrial, trade and military fields were related with the high-developed political system in the city. Siena was a Republic with elected government and well defined Constitution.
Decline of the city began after the Black Death epidemic, which is happened in 1340. Of course Siena was not only one city which was touched by the disease. But for Siena result was devastating. It's population shrunk from 100 000 to 30 000. In other words Siena lost 70% of its population.
Despite the fact that at the beginning of the 16 century Siena again won battle with Florence the city lost its influence forever.
Next terrible event in the life of Siena happened in the middle of 16 century when city has been involved to war with the supreme power of Holy Roman Empire. In the 1554 the troops of Charles V besieged the city. This war had for the city even more devastating repercussions then Black Death because when war was ended the population of the city shrunk to the 8000.
Two year after the war, heir of Charles V - Philip II – gifted the city to the Florence as pay of to the Medici for their support. It was the end of the city independence. Siena quickly turned from the capital to the small local town.
There were no grand constructions in the next centuries and Siena preserved its medieval guise.
One of the advantages of Siena is that you can explore the city and enjoy it without entering any its museum. Main treasures of the city – is a Gothic monuments which stands untouched last six centuries.
Main square of the city - Piazza Campo – is a one of the loveliest places in Italy. And this place doesn’t have so many tourists as Florence has. You can enjoy its architecture and do not afraid that somebody else will breathe into your back. Another famous sights of Siena are Duomo (Cathedral), Baptistery and Palazzo Pubblico which are treated as sheerest Gothic in Italy.
If you plan to visit Siena more than a one day, don’t miss Pinacoteca Nazionale where collected masterpieces of local artists. Another magnisifen museums are Museo Civico and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. And don’t forget about murals of Domenico di Bartolo which you can see at the Santa Maria della Scala – the former city hospital which was adorned by wonderful murals.
Siena located not far from the Florence. City has train connection with Florence and you can reach the capital of Toscana within a few hours. It’s cheaper city than Florence so you can have some benefits if you will choose Siena as your place of residence. Also Siena has good transport connection with many historical cities such as San Gimignano or Montalcino which you can easily reach from main bus station.
If you visit the city at July 2 or August 16 you will be lucky to witness local Palio – medieval horse race without any rules and restrictions. It’s very important event in the city’s life. Every racer begins his preparations long before the race. I can’t describe his reward if he wins. It's intangible. Enough to say, that winner of the Palio in Siena is more popular than stars of national Soccer team.
