subject: Piazza Del Campo Is Held On July 2nd And August 16th Through Ten Neighborhoods [print this page] Siena, famous for the famed Il Palio horse races, and the greatly praised Duomo or cathedral. Siena is not as famous as its close by cousins, Pisa and Florence. And while not the equal of the latter magnificent city, it however holds places of interest that will enchant any guest to Tuscany. When there you may want to put the Museo Civic (city hall) on your must see list.
Museo Civic
Siena's city hall, first begun under construction in the year twelve hundred, and holds the Civic Museum. Enter the Palazzo Publico, through an enclosed courtyard, which alone is worth the trip. Off to the side is another entrance to the Torre del Mangia, that is one more of Siena's exceptional places of interest.
Far from a boring set of local knicknacks, the museum holds a number of Italy's first-rate fortunes, as well as many frescoes, one of which dates back to 1315. Not least of these planetary examples of picture on walls is the fresco entitled 'Allegory of Good and Bad Government'. The Sala del Mappamondo and adjacent Sala della Pace hold the most well known frescoes here.
The Chapel of Council Taddeo di Bartolo is a should see. The frescoes in this area date to flanked by 1407 and 1414. Even the choir stalls are things of beauty. Made in 1415 by Niccol, they are intricately carved wood that are able competitors of anything found in Florence.
Il Palio in Piazza del Campo
Normally, Sienna is a quiet, peaceful place, like most of Tuscany. But two times a year it comes dramatically animated in a horse race that is as renowned as the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Held on July 2nd and August 16th, ten neighborhoods mount bareback and race all the way through the area approximately the Piazza del Campo. They go for only two or three laps. But in that time tourists will get as enthusiastic as the riders.
Intensely popular, guests who want the finest observation ought to reserve a seat no less than 24 weeks in advance. But even standing amid the throng, the feeling is contagious, and the horse and rider is flanked by human heads is an exciting occurrence.
The Duomo
Duomo in Italian means cathedral and, not astoundingly, Tuscany is full of them. But far from life form yet one more boring sight of yet one more commonplace house of worship, the duomo in Siena is in fact incredibly unique.
One of the supreme illustrations of Gothic structural design in the district, it was commenced in the year eleven hundred and maintained under production for 200 years. The facade was finished from white marble, dark marble from Prato and pink sandstone from the area. The lower part is Romanesque with the higher part in Gothic, exhibiting the transformation in fashion over the Gothic interval.
Part of the internal is a glittering collection of black and white marble stripes, though large slices of the walls that are obscured by excellent statues and carvings. A large rose window is encircled by inspiring busts and figurines with an angel sculpture at the summit.
Even the flooring is a work of art, sheltered in montages that portray narratives from the Christian Bible and other works of legends. Confirm in advance to discover whether the cathedral tour will be given as it is at regularly scheduled periods only.
Everyone with a curiosity in Tuscany ought to be certain to formulate time to see Siena. It is often less included as a part of a Tuscan tour today, but it is worth the extra if you can arrange to see Siena.
