The bell tower of Siena peers some 200 feet above its preserved walls, and the legendary town remains a symbol of the power it once was; Florence’s’ proud rival. Enfolded by rolling hills blanketed with emerald-green vineyards, Siena retains much of its ancient allure and the medieval town’s appearance is characterized by narrow gothic streets, packed with palaces and noble buildings which dip up and down and are refreshingly cool even on the hottest of days.

 

Almost every stone in the legendary town of Siena has remained unchanged over the centuries, and its people have fought to keep their ancestors traditions alive. The world famous Palio, little changed since the 1300s takes place every 02 July and 15 August when the neighbourhoods challenge each other to a race around the campo (central Piazza) The Palio is one of many traditions, renewed every year with unchanged strength and enthusiasm.

 

Siena is a town of great historical and artistic interest with a wealth of important monuments including: Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy, Palazzo Pubblico (13th-14th century in Gothic style) overlooked by the bold Torre del Mangia (14th century, 102 m. high) and Palazzo Sansedoni (13th-14th century, altered in the 19th century).

 

SPECIAL EVENTS:

 

June, Ombre International Theatre Festival.

This annual festival stages theatre productions (from various European theatre companies) at different venues in the lovely town of Poggibonsi, near Siena.

 

June & July, Siena Jazz Festival.

The Association Siena Jazz presents a summer series of jazz concerts and jam sessions at various locations around town,

 

13 Jun - 3 Aug 2008, Siena Opera festival.

San Galgano Abbey, Siena The annual Opera Festival offers a series of performances from June to August.

 

July & August, Palio di Siena.

The most famous palio in Italy, is a horse race held twice each year on July 2 and August 16 in Siena, in which the horse and rider represent one of the seventeen Contrade, or city wards. A magnificent pageant precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world.

 

BEST AIRPORT FOR THIS AREA:

Pisa 87 Km

Perugia 108 Km

Bologna 177 Km