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What a poor name has been given one of the most charming squares in Italy: “Piazza del Campo”.
Believe it or not: wherever you will come from, sooner or later the magic attraction of this place will lead you to the “Campo”. At first just an edge of sky will shine through the arches of the houses, followed by battlements, then parts of the declining place – and there it is with the town hall and its slim "Torre del Mangia", all nicely melting with the wide shell shaped place and its surrounding oval of houses.
As a city Siena presents herself predominantly in Gothic style, impressive and simply overwhelming, also with regard to the cathedral initially planned even more monumental.
A creature of the Medieval, the city planners of Siena over centuries continued strictly with the building concept once designed following esthetical aspects, and in doing so probably came up with the most rigid construction rules in Italy.
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Besides that there was a most stringent code of conduct for all citizens in vigour, certainly not favouring an easy and always happy life in the community.
Siena owed his original wealth and prosperity to its location on the “Via Francigena”, the Francs’ Road. The people from Siena were most clever merchants and increased their wealth trading with textiles - and money. One of their biggest debtors were the popes. Which, on the other side, did not prevent Siena from being faithful with the emperor. |
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In the Medieval conflicts and wars luck was changing sides very often, in the end, however, Siena after a long series of battles was completely defeated by Florence with the help of Spain. Thus the city came under the ruling hands of the Florentines. The Francs’ Road lost its importance, and so did Siena.
There is no mention of Etruscan ancestors at Siena. Also during the Roman empire there has probably not been more than just a military camp, which on the other hand was sufficient for Siena to deduct their origins as stemming from Remus, the twin brother of the famous founder of Rome.
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Palazzo Pubblico
court yard |
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Cathedral |
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Who visits this still intact Medieval town today will experience past times at their best. Particularly so at the time of the Palio when the contrades carry their colours, tables and benches will be put in the streets, banquets will be held with everybody in the traditional local costumes – and all will be dreaming of the horse attributed to them will win the race………
The Palio, the traditional and historical horse race, takes place twice per year on Piazza del Campo, on
2 July and 16 August, always dedicated to The Virgin Maria, the city patron saint; in July Santa Maria di Provenzano and Assumption in August.
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| There are sufficient parking areas including parking houses outside the city centre, from there it is just a few minutes foot-walk to the old town on top of the hill. |
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Holiday Villas and Apartments we offer in the area:
Absolutely exciting and enchanting property with unique pool area.
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sleep 2 - 8 - houses & apartments
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have a look at: |
breakfast / dinner on request
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Tuscany - Siena ca. 10 km
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beach 45 km |
Absolutely exciting and enchanting property with unique pool area.
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sleep 2 - 8 - houses & apartments
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have a look at: |
breakfast / dinner on request
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Tuscany - Siena ca. 10 km
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beach 45 km |
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