The medieval city of Siena is remarkably well preserved and
boasts a mix of narrow streets, pretty open spaces and magnificent
buildings focused around the great central Campo, a shell-shaped
piazza. This Tuscan hill town initially developed under the
Etruscans, before coming under the control of the Romans in about
the first century BC. The Lombards then invaded the area around
Siena and re-routed some of the region's major roads, so that they
passed through the city. Countless pilgrims and traders on their
way to Rome then came through Siena, cementing its position as a
wealthy trading post. By the early 14th century Siena was one of
Europe's richest cities, whose wealth funded the construction of
many of the city's greatest buildings.
Art, architecture and history
In 1348 the Black Death arrived, and decimated the
population. With only a quarter of its previous population, Siena
lost much of its influence, and was absorbed into the Medici's
Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1557. Over the next few centuries the
role of Siena became ever more provincial, and as a result it was
untouched by either of the World Wars. Soon after this time the
city was discovered by tourists, and was in such a good state of
preservation that its historic centre - largely dating back to the
14th century - was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of
the city's most famous and celebrated buildings is the spectacular
Duomo. Built from alternating strips of black and white marble, the
striped cathedral is one of Italy's greatest, and houses statues by
Donatello, Bernini and Michelangelo as well as a unique and
elaborate mosaic floor.
