History of the city of Siena
Historical background of Siena
Legend has it that the city was founded by Senio, son of Remus, who was killed by his twin brother Romulus. Senio allegedly left Rome with his brother Ascanius because he was persecuted by his uncle Romulus. They found refuge in the Sienese countryside and founded the city. Commemorating the mythological foundation is the depiction of the Sienese She-wolf, which is very present in the city. One only has to walk through the squares or enter some of the buildings to discover how many references are scattered throughout Siena’s old town.
Discover the history of the city of Siena.

Inside Siena Cathedral
The Cathedral of Siena is one of the most outstanding examples of an Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. It’s one of the

Risorgimento Hall
A room in Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico commemorates the first king of unified Italy. Although Siena is a city with strong

Piccolomini Library
Raphael’s ideas and Pinturicchio’s frescoes inside Siena Cathedral. The Piccolomini Library is a monumental room inside Siena Cathedral. Located along

Via di Città
One of the most beautiful central roads in Siena. Via di Città follows on from the Corso, slightly uphill. It’s

Torre del Mangia
Symbol of Siena The Torre del Mangia is one of the most famous towers in Tuscany, symbol and pride of

The Hall of Count Chigi
The precious hall of the historic Palazzo Chigi-Saracini in Siena Palazzo Chigi Saracini is a place that embodies music, art