Siena
Welcome to the world of Siena, a city located in Tuscany, Italy, which is universally known for its historical, artistic, and scenic heritage. The medieval urban decor of the city is stylistically very cohesive and contains many treasures that make it one of the most famous places in the world. In 1995, the historic center of Siena was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the city is the headquarters of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest still-active bank in the world founded in 1472.
Physical Geography
Territory
Siena is situated in the center of a vast hilly landscape in central Tuscany. It is surrounded by the valleys of the Arbia, Merse, and Elsa rivers, the Chianti hills to the northeast, the Montagnola senese to the west, and the Crete Senesi to the southeast. The "land of Siena" is so named for the yellow color of the hills.
Climate
Siena's climate has an average temperature of +5.7 °C in the coldest month, January and +22.9 °C in the warmest month, July. The average annual rainfall is around 750mm.
History
Origins
Sienavecchia is a neolithic prehistoric site located on the hill above the village of Torri in Sovicille. The name Sienavecchia dates back to the ancient multicentric Etruscan group of the Saenae. According to legend, the city was founded by Camellio and Montorio, captains of Romolo, to defeat Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remo. The nearby village of Brenna (Sovicille) owes its name to the leader of the Senoni Gauls, Brenno.
Roman colonization
The origin of Siena as a Roman colony during the time of Emperor Augustus is described in the earliest historical documents. There are also sites from the Etruscan era within the historic center, which could suggest the city's foundation by the Etruscans.
Conclusion
Siena, a city with ancient origins, is now one of the most visited destinations in the world thanks to its great historical and artistic wealth, its monuments, and its medieval architecture. Its historical importance is testified by its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and its economic importance is assured by Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world. If you are visiting Tuscany, Siena should be on your priority list.
