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Siena

Siena is a Tuscan hill town seen by many as the gem of the Tuscany region, ahead of the more popular holiday attraction of Florence and is one of Italy's best preserved medieval towns. It is the capital of the Siena Province of Tuscany and is nestled between the olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti - Italys famouse wine region. Its tranquility and charm provide an excellent destination for any Italian holiday experience and its architecture proves a great example from both the Romanesque and Renaissance periods.

Piazza del Campo

The main square is still the center of city life, surrounded by restaurants and cafe's where both locals and holiday makers sit and watch the world go by. The unique shell shape d square is one of Italy and Europe's finest and it's Gaia fountain (Fountain of Joy) attratcs many tourists and holiday makers. The square is overlooked by the magnificent 102 metre high Torre del Mangia which gives tourists and holiday makers excellent views over Siena and the surrounding countryside

Duomo di Siena

The towns main cathedral, completed in 1263, is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture with a dark green and white marble in the facade. It contains works of art by many of the famous Renaissance artists, including Donatello, and one of its main attractions for people on holiday in Siena is the marble-inlaid floor, to which many artists contributed.

The Palio

'Il Palio' is a bi-annual horse race and if you are on holiday in Siena  on the 2nd of July or the 16th of August, you will not be able to avoid the emotions it creates. Each of the 17 areas of the city (contrada) compete against each other by having representatives race on bare horse back around the Piazza del Campo. Spectators, including locals and those who have planned their holiday in italy especially to witness the events, cram into the center of the square and watch the race occur around them. The race lasts less than two minutes but the commotion and celebrations of the winning team carries on late into the night making this a holiday event of a lifetime.