Travel Guide to Siena, Italy

Siena is a medieval city that carefully keeps the traditions of ancient times. It is situated on three hills. This fact creates the impression that Siena is divided into three small towns. This is partially true, because for convenience Siena was divided into three thirds, which are divided into seventeen autonomous regions in their turn. These regions are named Conrad, and each of them has retained its emblem and flag since the ancient time.

The inhabitants of Siena have particular respect towards the traditions of the past days. Only this fact has helped to preserve its original ancient gothic style. The main square and one of the most famous places of the city is Piazza Campo. Two times a year the square becomes the battlefield for competitions among the residents of all Conrads. Only ten representatives from each of the thirds are allowed to participate. The competition is done in the horse race form. This is a truly impressive and exciting event.

In addition to the lively atmosphere of squares and streets, this city offers tourists, visitors from neighboring places and its residents numerous cultural events, theater performances, cinemas, concerts and a wide range of sporting activities. In order to explore the city in its full, you will need to spend at least a few days here. Tourists are recommended to visit the oldest European University located in Siena, Siena Cathedral (Duomo), Torre del Mangia Tower, Santa Maria della Scala Hospital, which now is the location of an archaeological museum. You may also prefer to see National Museum of Antarctica, Paleontological Museum, botanical gardens of Siena and Natural History Museum with a large collection of stuffed animals and birds living either in Tuscany or throughout Italy.