It is the capital of the province of the same name and is situated between the valleys of the Arbia, Merse, and Elsa rivers, and among the hills of Chianti, Montagnola, and Crete Senesi, immersed in a remarkably evocative hilly landscape. The city, characterized by the stylistic unity of its medieval decor, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Siena boasts an immense artistic and cultural heritage, largely due to the flourishing of the Sienese School of painting between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The main characteristic that distinguished and elevated the Sienese School was its focus on decorative beauty and the elegance typical of Gothic art, and despite being more conservative, it was able to compete with Florence. There were many great personalities who represented the School, from Duccio di Buoninsegna to Simone Martini, from Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti to Domenico and Taddeo di Bartolo and Matteo di Giovanni. The School was carried forward during the 16th century by Domenico di Pace Beccafumi and Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, exponents of Mannerism.
Siena, in addition to its artistic and cultural treasure, is known worldwide for the Palio, which takes place in Piazza del Campo and consists of a horse race in which the various city districts participate. The Palio, besides being an ancient historical event and a revival of an ancient medieval joust, represents one of the highest expressions of Sienese tradition. There are also numerous festivals linked to the tasting of local products, including evenings organized by some of the districts participating in the Palio.
The territory of Siena is famous and renowned throughout the world for the wines produced in the numerous local wineries, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Nobile di Montepulciano. At the numerous wineries in the Siena area, it is possible to taste and purchase these fine wines. The gastronomic tradition should not be underestimated either, largely due to the wealth that characterized the medieval period and the presence of numerous taverns along the Via Francigena. There are many specialties, some of which are linked to medieval tradition, including pici pasta, ribollita soup, roasts, game, wild boar, and among the desserts, panforte, ricciarelli, “pan co' santi”, and “berricucoli”.
Siena boasts an immense artistic and cultural heritage, largely due to the flourishing of the Sienese School of painting between the 13th and 15th centuries. The main characteristic that distinguished and elevated the Sienese School was its focus on decorative beauty and the elegance typical of Gothic art, and despite being more conservative, it was able to compete with Florence. There were many great personalities who represented the school, from Duccio di Buoninsegna to Simone Martini, from Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti to Domenico and Taddeo di Bartolo and Matteo di Giovanni. The School was carried forward during the 16th century by Domenico di Pace Beccafumi and Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, exponents of Mannerism.