Siena is a small hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy.
Legend has it that it was founded by the sons of Remus, which is why the city's coat of arms is a suckling she-wolf. The origins of the city date back to 900 BC. which was initially an Etruscan settlement. The ancient origins of the city create its specific atmosphere. The oldest European bank still operates there today.
The center's architecture has retained its ancient character and has been included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The most interesting buildings are, of course, the 12th-century Gothic cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia in Piazza del Campo. In addition to the cathedral, the religious complex includes a baptistery and a campanile. The central place of the market square is a historic fountain. The city is surrounded by historic city walls. The streets are narrow and cobbled. Walking in a mini I felt like I was in another era and another world. Among other things, because Italians have a habit of hanging laundry over the heads of tourists. I was disarmed by an old lady who was hanging up underwear and bedding early in the morning. The entire town is very uniform in color. After all, the name obliges. Burnt sienna is a pigment obtained from burning limonite clay.
It is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Saint Catherine, mystic and patroness of Europe, lived and worked in the city. The main tourist attraction is horse racing. There are also gardens with olive trees within the city walls. For me, the most characteristic were the cypresses. This is what I associate Tuscany with. It is an agricultural region. Olive groves and vineyards stretch to the horizon. There is this amazing atmosphere of space and peace. This is the essence of dolce vita.
