Welcome to Casatuscany.com : Tuscany property sales and rentals  

Information About Siena


The history of Siena is as long and illustrious as any Italian City, and is apparent in the buildings, traditions and organisation of this beautiful city. The mysteries of its past unfold as you walk through the streets and hunt for clues.

The city’s two motifs – twins being suckled by a wolf and a half black, half white shield - adorn many buildings, flags and signs, and are a tribute to the ancient legend of the foundation of the City. They refer to Senius and Ascius, the sons of Remus, founder of Rome, who are said to have been the first citizens of the city.

There are also many visual references to 17 different animals, the symbols of the divisions of the city called Contrade. The Eagle, Dolphin and Caterpillar are three examples.This unique civil structure has its origins in the mists of time, and dominates social and administrative life in Siena. Each of the Contrade has a museum (usually only open by appointment) and an elaborate fountain at its centre. To be considered a member of a Contrade you must be born within its boundaries, and be “baptised” in the fountain.


The world renown Palio - a bi-annual horse race round the central Campo (2 July and 16 Aug) – is contested between the Contrade, and inspires fanatical devotion to the Contrade to which you belong. Watching a Palio is both exhilarating and terrifying, as the ten riders tear round with utter disregard for their own safety seeking the immortality of winning it. The claim that no one has ever died in a Palio seems unlikely, but adds credence to the claim that the race has the divine protection of the Virgin Mary.

When not the scene of such mayhem, the Campo is a beautiful Piazza, ringed with historic buildings mainly dating from the 13th & 14th centuries when Siena was at the height of its wealth and influence. It is dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico, which dates from 1310 and has served as the town hall for seven centuries. The 332 ft Torre di Mangia (named after the first official bellringer) dominates the Sienese skyline, and climbing the endless staircase is well worth it for the view from the top (open from 10am daily).


Parts of the Palazzo are open to the public, and references to the Golden Period of Sienese history are all around. The famed frescos in the main Sala portray the consequences of good and bad government in graphic detail, a permanent reminder to the rulers of the city that their actions must be for the good of the people.

Unusually for Italy, the main Piazza is not dominated by religious buildings, but a visit to the oldest and highest part of the City (the Terzo di Citta') shows that religious piety is as much a part of the history of Siena as anywhere else. The fabulous Duomo, with the distinctive striped marble exterior, is full of renaissance sculptures and frescos. The extravagance of its creators can be seen in the incredible marble pavement, with the entire interior of the Church laid with a 12,000 sq. ft. floor inlaid with 56 scenes from religious history. It took 300 years to complete and is utterly unique. Nicola Pisano’s pulpit (1280) Donatello’s bronze statue of St John the Baptist and Piccolomini’s altar with four Michaelangelo statues are just a few of the priceless antiquities on view here.


Other must-see historic buildings include the baptistry next to the Duomo, and the Santa Maria Della Scala – a former hospital founded in the 9th century, and for centuries the leading medical centre in the world. It is currently undergoing a 30 year renovation programme to turn it into the largest museum in the world, devoted to the history of Siena.

Siena has evolved into a town almost devoid of manufacturing, and despite the fact that tourism is by far the largest industry it does not have the commercialism or exploitative culture one would expect. It is a deceptively small city, with only 60,000 inhabitants, and perhaps because of this Siena retains an innocence and charm.

Shopping is joyous, with local craftsmen and traders outnumbering the international designer boutiques and tourist-led shops in the main commercial areas.

EMAIL LIST Sign up to be informed immediately of all new properties for sale