Siena

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Siena

 

the medieval city

Siena (ancient Saena Julia), city in central Italy, capital of Siena Province, in Tuscany (Toscana) Region. Siena retains its medieval architecture, including walls and gates that surround the city. The city is a tourist center and a market for the wine and marble produced in the area. Manufactures include chemicals, fertilizers, and textiles.

 

the cathedral

 

front of the cathedral

Terra (or raw) sienna, used as a pigment in paints, is produced in the vicinity. The cathedral (11th-14th century) is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy.

 

municipal palace

The Gothic style municipal palace, begun in 1288 and finished in 1309, contains numerous paintings by Sienese artists. Among the city's noteworthy public institutions is the University of Siena (1240), with faculties of medicine and law. An ancient Roman town, Siena became an independent commune in the 12th century. In the 16th century Siena was subjugated by its rival, Florence. Population (1997 estimate) 54,769.

 

entrance to municipal palace

 

where the marriage bans are published

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Murals in the Municipal Palace

 

 

 

 

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Siena square
(famous for the horse race competitions between different parts of the town)

 

back alley in the medieval city

 

 

town square, looking toward the cathedral

 

street in hilly Siena

 

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Basilica di San Domenico

Sienna hotels

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Chioggia Dolomites Elderhostel Verona Florence Florence Baptistery Florence Buildings Lake Garda Mantova People of Sardinia Pompeii Ravenna Rome Sardinia Sicily Siena Sorrento Venice Venice 1998 Verona Vicenza

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