Discover Siena, Italy!
The world-famous horse race takes place just off the communal palace, Palazzo Pubblico, with its tall tower, Torre del Mangia. It was constructed, not only as one of the tallest secular towers (102 m / 335 ft) in medieval Italy, but also reaching the same height as Siena Cathedral. That was a sign that the church and the state were equally powerful.
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Ten horses and jockeys riding bareback represent ten of Siena’s seventeen city wards. The race showcases the rivalry remaining between the wards. To prepare for the event, the Piazza del Campo is before the race filled with a layer of earth. On the very day, jockeys and horses compete by doing three laps of the plaza. The race is short – often less than 90 seconds – and often not without drama. During the whirling and hazardous ride, the horses sometimes throw off their riders. Nevertheless, the winner is the horse crossing the line first – with or without a mounted rider.
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The origin of the Palio race goes back to medieval times. Preceding the current horseback races, in olden times, bullfights and donkey races took place on the plaza.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
The vaguely sloping Piazza del Campo is regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy due to its architecture, specific shell-shaped form, the adjacent, stunning Palazzo Pubblico and the fine bell tower. Moreover, the paving on the square is divided into nine segments to represent the Governo dei Nove, the rule of The Nine who laid out the campo and governed Siena in its medieval heyday. The Palazzo Pubblico is still today home to the city’s local government. As a focal point, 11 narrow streets radiate into the old Siena city from the plaza.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Siena Italy images | Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Il Duomo, Siena Cathedral from the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanessque-Gothic architecture. The massive dome rises from a hexagonal base. The Cathedral has a dome and a bell tower constructed of white and greenish-black marble in stripes (and with the addition of red marble on the cathedral façade).
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Black and white symbolise the black and white horses of the legendary city’s founders, Senius and Aschius. Siena is said to have been founded by the duo Senius and Aschius, who were sons of Remus (brother to Romulus – the two brothers being the mythical founders of Rome). Therefore Siena’s emblem is the wolf, which suckled the two brothers.
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Originally, Siena Cathedral was projected as the largest basilica in Italy and the world. However, due to the lack of funding, the construction shrank. Nevertheless, it is still absolutely impressive and offers a magnificent view of the city when you climb the stairs. Moreover, the Cathedral features an octagonal pulpit with lion pedestals from the 13th century.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Italy Siena | Photo: Travel In Culture
When you stroll around in Siena, the colours are generally vivid and warm, pastel and cream with shades of brown, orange and yellow.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photos of Siena Italy | Photo: Travel In Culture
Siena is renowned for its narrow streets flanked by impressive brick buildings of medieval character. People used to live in – and across the narrow streets. Today, all the original structures unarguably contribute to the charm of Siena!
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The ambience will take you back to a bygone era when the Sienese used the Piazza del Campo as an active marketplace and location for gatherings like significant political events and other celebrations.
What is Siena Italy known for in particular? Its medieval cityscape makes Siena one of the most picturesque, authentic cities in Italy – and even the world – could visit. The city receives several hundred visitors every year!
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Discover Siena Italy
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Discover Siena, Italy:
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