Greetings to all my fellow travellers.. I took advantage of the 25 April long weekend, in Italy a very important holiday that marked the end of the Nazi-fascist occupation, and visited the beautiful city of Siena, in Tuscany.
Every nook and cranny of this medieval town is full of wonderful things to discover, from food to wine, from art to history and culture.
As you approach the historical centre, which is a Human Heritage Site by UNESCO, you can see some of the most important historical monuments, such as the Duomo di Siena, built in the Italian Romanesque-Gothic style.
The Torre del Mangia, the bell tower of the Communal Palace located in the city's main square, the Piazza del Campo.
And again one of Siena's most important churches, the Basilica di San Domenico, built in the 13th century, can be seen.
Everywhere you look there are beautiful glimpses of a truly timeless city.
Wander down one of its narrow streets and you will reach the historic centre in the Piazza del Campo where the world-famous Palio di Siena, the traditional and historic horse race, is held every year, as far back as 1200.
The square has a distinctive shell shape, with a circumference of 333 metres, and is made of red bricks divided by rows of white travertine creating 9 sections to represent the folds of the cloak of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the city.
The square is the beating heart of the city, overlooked by palaces and historical monuments, but it is also the place around which city life gravitates and attracts tourists with its souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, restaurants and typical bars.
The square is overlooked by the Palazzo Chigi-Zondadari, the Palazzo Sansedoni, the Loggia della Mercanzia. But the most important and famous is the Communal Palace topped by the Torre del Mangia.
This palace is an architectural and cultural jewel that testifies to the greatness of Siena over the centuries. Built between 1297 and 1310, it was the residence of the Signoria and the Podestà , today an example of Gothic architecture and inside which are preserved the masterpieces of Sienese art.
A key stop on my visit was the Monumental Complex of the Cathedral of Siena, another treasure of art and history in the heart of the city.
This marvellous Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the world, an example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture in Italy housing priceless masterpieces such as statues by Michelangelo, Donatello and Bernini, paintings on wood and canvas, frescoes and extraordinary stained glass windows.
It was truly a wonderful experience and I take home with me, among my fondest memories, all the works and monuments I saw.
Art, history, culture really give us unforgettable experiences that I want to share with you in the next shots.
Good viewing.
**Library Piccolomini and the Three Graces.
Madonna with Child and Saints. Andrea Vanni, 1400.
The Majesty of Siena Cathedral, various panels, Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-1311.
Madonna of Forgiveness, Donatello, 1457-1459.
Marble Statue of the Bull, Giovanni Pisano, 1280.
The stained glass window of Siena Cathedral, designed by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1287-1288.
The photo tour ends here, I hope I have made you relive a little of my emotions and transported you for a moment to the precious city of Siena.
Thank you for reading my post. See you soon.
The photos are my property, taken with my mobile phone.