My favorite region in Italy is Tuscany, due to so many (personal) reasons, so I go there quite often, even if it's just for a book signing or a show. The Oscar winner Roberto Benigni (the director of Life is beautiful) used to give a reading of Dante's Divine Comedy a couple of summers ago, and I was there all the time. I am in love with the Italian literature, so sorry if I sound too nerd!
A part from Florence, which is the best city in my country, I always suggest people to visit Siena, since it recalls my hometown, Saluzzo. They are both medieval towns, even though Siena is bigger and people are more open minded than the one in my place.
Located only 70 km from Florence, it's very well connected to Pisa, San Gimignano and Arezzo, the other main cities in the region.
If you only have a couple of hours to visit Siena, I'd suggest the following 3 places, which give you an idea of what the town looks like.
1. Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is one of the world's Medieval squares and it's pretty famous- at least in Italy- for hosting the Palio of Siena takes place.
If you have never heard about it, it's an event hosted twice a year during summer, in July and August. There are 17 Contrade participating, and each one is like a small and independent state having its own administration. Some days before the Palio, if you walk around the town, you can see the main square totally transformed: it's all paved with some rocks and the centre is fended in, in order to contain all the crowd. Since too many people are there for the Palio, they broadcast it live on TV, so we can find out which is the Contrada which wins and becames the most prestigious one of the year.
2. Siena City Hall
The Palazzo Pubblico has been the City Hall of Siena for almost 800 years. It contains a collection of interesting paintings and its rooms are decorated with frescoes. The City Hall, built between the 13th and the 14th century, gives you the access to one of the towers of the town. From there, you can have a wonderful view, especially during spring. I definitely love seeing cities from the top instead of the standard perspective. It's like trying to focus on every single detail while breathing fresh air.
3. The Del Mangia Tower
The Torre del Mangia- that's the Italian name- is the 102 metres-high bell tower. It was erected in 1348 in order to surpass its rival, the tower in Florence. Back at the time, the two town were rival, and at the end, almost 200 years later, in 1555, Florece took the control and Siena had to submit to its strong control.
The tower, located next to the City Hall, owes its name to its first owner, Giovanni del Mangia who probably liked climbing the stairs: if you want to reach the top, you have to climb... 300 steps. Yes, 3 hundreds. Be sure you don't eat too much before visiting it, and while you are on the line, drink as much water as you can (especially in summer), since you are not allowed to carry bags inside.
If you have been to Siena, which are the 3 places you'd pick? I'm pretty sure most of you would add the Dome to my list, but guess what... I definitely prefer the one in Florence!
Download the FREE city map by clicking on the image below.
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento