Siena- Piazza del Campo
The beautiful Tuscan city, Siena, was founded by the Etruscans in 900 BC and first prospered as a trading-post. Competing with the northern city of Florence in the arts and architecture, it established itself as one of the most prominent cities in Italy. The famous Piazza del Campo was built 1349 by Siena's then ruling body, the Council of Nine; the spoke-like paving pattern symbolizes their power and the nine folds of the Madonna's cloak. Since the Piazza's completion, it has remained the site of most of the city's public events, including bullfights, executions, festivals, and the famous Palio, a breakneck, bareback 90-second horserace that occurs twice a year. This is also where you will find Palzzo Publico that was built to house the Republican government with walls that are saturated with famous frescoes.

Fun Facts

• While walking the beautiful streets of Siena, most are unaware that beneath is a 25km system of tunnels that has brought running water to the city since the twelfth century called Bottini.


• Siena is directly between the famous wine countries of Chianti in the north and Vino di Noble and Brunello in the south.

Link

www.sienaitaly.com/