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.

University of Siena
Sienese example of research and innovation The University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in the world. A

Collegiate of Provenzano
Four hundred years of faith and history in the centre of Siena. Places of faith are notoriously linked to the

Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena
The world’s most significant collection of the 14th and 15th-century Sienese masters. The Pinacoteca Nazionale art gallery in Siena is

Palazzo Pubblico in Siena
A symbol of the political power of the city of Siena for 700 years. Palazzo Pubblico in Siena (also known

The ancient underground aqueducts
The ancient aqueduct is a labyrinth of canals dug under the city of Siena. The term ‘buctinus’ probably refers to

Contrada stables
The stable is a sacred place where the horse is kept during the Palio of Siena. The Palio is four