Siena Favorites

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Favorite thing: Terzo di Citta was the original residential nucleus of Siena that relied on the Castelvecchio for its defense. It is the oldest part of the town, concentrated around the Cathedral, and certainly one of the most beautiful and pitoresque in whole of Siena.

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Favorite thing: Every Sienese lives the life of his Contrada (district), which still plays a civil role in organizing its members' free time. There are seventeen districts in the town of Siena with precise territorial organizations (the marks are visible everywhere in the town) which gather together the citizens of the same neighbourhood. For twelve months of the year the life of the Contrada is in fervour, but during the days before the Palio the atmosphere becomes really explosive.
The names of Contrade are curioius and symbolic;
Terzo di Citta: Aquila, Chiocciola, Onda, Pantera, Selva, Tartuca
Terzo di Camollia: Bruco, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Lupa, Oca
Terzo di San Martino: Civetta, Leocorno, Nicchio, Torre, Valdimontone.

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Favorite thing: The quarter of San Martino, which is situated right next to Piazza Campo, is characteristic by its unusually tall 4-5 storey houses. It was the original residential nucleus of Siena that relied on the Castelvecchio for its defense. Starting from the 16th century, it was the ghetto, area of the city where the Jews were forced to live.

Favorite thing: For the Sienese people, Palio is not only the game it is much more then this, a way of living. The origins of the Siena Palio, however, have never been satisfactorily explained. The only sure thing is that festival already existed well before 1310, the year when the official institution of the Palio was consecrated, to be competed for on the 16th August in honour of the Assumption into Heaven.
In 1656 the institution of a second Palio was officially recognized, the "Palio of the Districts", to be run on the second July in honour of the Madonna di Provenzano.

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Favorite thing: Siena is amazing city situated on a several small hills and when strolling around you constantly change up and down directions. I was very impressed by the proportions of its main attractions; Torre del Mangia, the Cathedral and the basilica of San Domenico, which can be seen from a very far distance. But most of all, I was impressed by the hospitality of the Sienese, found them much more friendly then Firentine. Last but not the least, the most of the houses in the old core of the town are unexpectedly tall, having four or even five storey's.

Favorite thing: The center of Siena is the Piazza del Campo. All roads lead to the Piazza, so you can't miss it. When you arrive at the Piazza, you'll be overwhelmed by its the magnificence.

The Piazza, built in 1347, has some unique features. It was built in a semi-circular shape, with a concave slant, so that all water is directed to a large drain on one side. The stones were all laid out in a herringbone style. The herringbone paving is divided into nine sections, which is supposed to have had something to do with Siena's Government of Nine during medieval times.

Fondest memory: Along the edge of the Piazza are numerous bistros, cafes and gelati stands. It's a great place for people watching!

Favorite thing: The doors in Siena, in typical Italian style, are fine examples of the Italian artisans' talents. They are usually embellished with impressive door knockers. Check out belgianchocolate's Siena page for more knockers.

Favorite thing: I had to do a double take when I looked at this picture. This was taken in the central part of Siena - the Piazza del Campo - the place where all tourists (like us) had to stop. Now after griping in my other tips about how crowded Siena was in July, you are not going to believe that is was that crowded when you see this picture.

It WAS crowded. Everyone was standing in line to climb up the campanile.

Fondest memory: Moments when we weren't fighting our way through the crowds.

Taking family photos in the Piazza del Campo like all good tourists should.