Siena is one of the most significant provinces in Tuscany. And this is not just because it has one of the largest areas, but also because of one of the richest collections of unforgettable masterpieces. Four of the six UNESCO Heritage List sites in Tuscany are located here. They are the city of Siena, the towns of Pienza and San Gimignano, and the Val d'Orcia Valley.
The vast territory of Siena is located on hills; and there are mountains in the south. Hardworking Siena people changed these rocky lands into olive-woods and vineyards. Small towns and villages are located among them inviting to spend a vacation in quiet rural atmosphere. Villas, farms and hotels on the outskirts of Montepulcianoand Montalcino will help you to escape the fuss of city life and crowded resorts. Local restaurants treat any customer like a VIP one. You will remember delicious cuisine, great Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, and excellent service for a long time.
If you want to enjoy the feeling of cultural greatness you should visit the tiny town of San Gimignano. Huge towers made of stone just amaze with their might and skyscraper resemblance. Besides, it's worth drawing your attention to the constructions of the XIII-XIV centuries.
You can appreciate the harmony of Renaissance architecture in the town of Pienza, the famous “touchstoneof Renaissance urbanism”. If you are interested in Etruscan culture, the ancient town of Chiusi waits for you.
The main monuments of architecture are concentrated in Siena. The city can compete even with Florence in terms of quantity and beauty of its masterpieces. The largest quantity of guests is received by Siena in June and mid August, when the famous Palio horse race takes place.
One of the largest Italian resorts, Chianciano Terme, can help you to improve your health. And St. Antimo Abbey is worth visiting for the sake of spiritual cure.
Famous people of the province of Siena:
Caterina Benincasa (1347-1380) – devout Christian who helped to bring the Papacy back from Avignon to Rome. She was canonized in 1461, and was proclaimed the patroness of Italy in 1939.
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The main architectural masterpieces are concentrated in the capital, Siena. You can feel here the pride of the ancient romans who founded a military colony on the place of an Etruscan settlement.
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San Gimignano is an old Etruscan settlement.
The history of the town in Middle Ages consists of never-ending confrontation, which...
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Pienza spreads over the Val d'Orcia valley on a picturesque hill.
The town was founded on the place, where the village of...
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If you want to feel the color of Tuscan life in full, you should visit the town of Montalcino . It is located on a picturesque hill. As...
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Montepulciano is an old Tuscan town, which is justly considered to be “the pearl of the XVI century”. It appeared much earlier,...
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The defensive walls of Monteriggioni with their magnificent towers look like a crown on top of beautiful Tuscany. The original medieval architecture has preserved in Monteriggioni better than in any other Italian city or town.
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Chianciano Terme is one of the largest thermal resorts of Italy. A small settlement with a population of seven thousands of people receives a lot of tourists every year. There are about 250 hotels and guest houses at the resort which provide all conditions for comfortable living. 5 kinds of beneficial waters are available at Chianciano Terme.
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The town of Casole d'Elsa with a population of less than four thousand people is one more gem of the Sienna province. The charm of the local area inspired the modern American cultural leader Nigel Konstam to create a private art center, Verrocchio Art Centre, in Casole. Every year, from May to October, one- or two-week courses are organized here. They are designated for students of all ages, levels of education and abilities.
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The settlement of Poggibonsi is the second large town of Siena province. About thirty thousand of people reside here. Poggibonsi is the most important industrial center of the Val d’Elsa valley. The town is located on the hills of Chianti.
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