Siena Attractions
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Siena, chief town of its province, lies in the uplands of Tuscany, between the Colline Metallífere and the Chianti hills. Its soil yields a natural pigment formerly much used by painters ("burnt Sienna").
History
Siena was a place of no consequence in Roman times, when it was known as Saena Julia. After the death of Countess Matilda of Tuscia in 1115 Siena - like Pisa, Lucca, Florence and other cities - gained its independence. The government of the town remained in the hands of the local Ghibelline nobility, and this brought it into conflict with the Guelf city of Florence, its great rival in power and wealth, with which it was constantly at odds.
History
Siena was a place of no consequence in Roman times, when it was known as Saena Julia. After the death of Countess Matilda of Tuscia in 1115 Siena - like Pisa, Lucca, Florence and other cities - gained its independence. The government of the town remained in the hands of the local Ghibelline nobility, and this brought it into conflict with the Guelf city of Florence, its great rival in power and wealth, with which it was constantly at odds.
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Abbazía di Sant'Ántimo
The Abbazía di Sant'Ántimo was founded in 813 although the structure today dates from the 12th or 13th C. Notable architectural features include an ornate doorway and numerous richly decorated columns.
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Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Siena's Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is considered by some to be Italy's finest churches and is a major tourist attraction. The façade created by Giovanni Pisano is particularly impressive.
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National Gallery
The National Gallery in Sienna holds fine works of art by Sienese artists and focuses on the time period of 12th to 16th C. Notable artists include Guido da Sienna and Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
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Piazza del Campo
Siena's Piazza del Campo is one of the main features of the city. This large open area has interesting pavement designs and the fountain at the top end, Fonte Gaia, dates from 1419.
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The Town
The old town of Siena is located at the junction of three ridges and is largely a pedestrian only zone.
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Town Hall
The Siena Town Hall stands proudly on the edge of Piazza del Campo, and features a significant tower. This Gothic structure was built in the late 13th and early 14th C.
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Monte Amiata
Monte Amiata is an extinct volcano which is today the highest peak in Tuscany.
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Monte Oliveto Maggiore
The hilltop Monte Oliveto Maggiore was built in the 14th C. Among the highlights are the frescoes lining the cloister.
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Oratorio di San Bernardino
The Oratorio di San Bernardino shows fine frescoes by a number of well known 16th C artists.
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Palazzo Piccolómini
The 15th C Palazzo Piccolómini was built by Pietro Paolo and designed by Bernardo Rossellino. It now contains the National Archives.
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Palazzo Salimbeni
Palazzo Salimbeni is a 14th C Gothic building which stands on the Piazza Salimbeni and is today occupied by a bank.
Valdichiana - Lucignano, Italy
(Near Siena)