Historic Center of Siena

Welcome to the very heart of Siena, a medieval cityscape that has remained remarkably intact since the 13th century. While Florence and Pisa were locked in their struggle for dominance, Siena shaped itself into a city plan of rare harmony, a living work of art on an urban scale. The great painters of the Sienese school left masterpieces here that still dazzle visitors centuries later. Thanks to the exceptional preservation of its medieval core and the richness of its artistic heritage, Siena was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. But what truly makes the city unique is its division into 17 contrade, the neighborhoods that first took shape in the Middle Ages. Each one has its own colors, flag, emblem (often an animal) along with a anthem and even a motto. Locals are fiercely proud of their contrada, and that sense of belonging is visible in every street. Look closely and you might notice banners hanging from windows or fountains decorated in neighborhood colors. It really is like a city within the city. So keep an eye out, you may be walking through the district of the Giraffe… or perhaps the Caterpillar.