Interrail throughout Italy

Milan - Padua - Verona - Venice - Florence - Saint Gimignano - Sienna - Pisa - Naples - Pompei - Amalfi Coast - Capri - Assisi - Rome - Tivoli - Monaco

This is a city with a precious medieval historical centre. The main square is amazing, as well as the city hall, the weird cathedral and the ancient houses along the streets.
This city reached a peak in 1260 after the battle of Montaperti, where they defeated to the Florentines. The artistic and cultural development was fast during the next century, under the direction of the Nine's Government. In the 16th century, it lost its strength and entered a decadence that obliged them to submit to the Florence power. However, unlike Saint Gimignano, Sienna has kept with zeal the glorious past and they have conserved the city, the districts and the traditions intact.

The city center is the square called Piazza del Campo . In the 12th century they thought about a solution to channel the waters coming from the slope and this is the reason for the shell shape. The brick paving dates from 1347 and the nine divisions remind the Nine's Government, a rich group of merchants and bankers who led Sienna to prosperity. It is surrounded with palaces from 13th century and in the middle we find the elegant fountain of Gaia. The most outstanding house is the Sansedoni's Palace.

This Gothic construction was erected from 1250 to 1310, and the upper floor around 1600. It was the quarters of the leader of the ancient Sienna's Republic and nowadays it is the city hall. Look at the nice medieval windows that are imitated in many of the buildings across the streets. From the 102 m. high tower the views are impressive , covering the town, the districts, the roofs and the cathedral.

In rainy days it is forbidden to go up because of the tiny space, so if you are claustrophobic, you have to consider this fact. The top makes you dizzy, indeed everyone hold the railing to look down.

We went on towards the cathedral through ancient streets. The first impression is a strong contrast between the reddish and ochre colours of the building facades and the black and white of the cathedral.

The cathedral of Sienna is a referent of the Italian Gothic architecture. It was started in 1230 and it was used as model for other cathedrals. The lower part of the frontal facade is Romanesque (Giovanni Pisano built it in 1284) and the upper part is in Florid Gothic style. Initially the project aimed at a greater temple but for different problems they "only" made that. It has 3 naves and a Latin cross floor. The alternation of black and white grooves both inside and outside gives it a particular elegant aspect.

Inside the cathedral there are many interesting things, but pay attention to the pulpit that Nicola Pisano sculpted from 1266 to 1268. It is one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian sculpture and many of you will feel amaze.
There are other tourist spots, but much less interesting. We preferred to walk tranquilly through the historical centre, admiring the streets and the well-conserved ancient houses.

Finally I have to make a reference about an important and historical spectacle in the city consisting on a horse race: the Palio . Nobody knows the origin, but it was before 1330, when it was made official. In 1656 the second Palio was officially recognized, the so-called "Palio of the Districts", that is held on 2nd July and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Provenzano. The other one is held on 16th August.

Nowadays there are 17 districts, and an own government directs each of them. The citizens live the atmosphere of their districts and they are very integrated in it. So, you understand that these races are for the citizens the key events of the year, and during the previous days the air boils. The Palio is a complete ritual, the riders are heroes or villains, each district displays its own parade, the Piazza del Campo is absolutely crowded and when the race starts the riders try to win by completing three turns to the square. The riders hinder, hit or fall, as almost everything is allowed. After the goal, the happiness or despair could last for weeks. And the best is that the assistance is free, you only have to find a free space..

If you are travelling near this date, don't hesitate and make your plans coinciding with it. The visit to Sienna is completed in one day. We returned to Florence in less than 1 h. by bus.