© Edimedia di F. Filippi e C. Sas.

An expanse of red roofs lying on three tuff hills, from which emerge the two imposing and proud silhouettes of the Cathedral and the Palazzo Pubblico: this is how Siena appears from the Elsa and Arbia valleys, its natural gateways.
A spiral maze of mediaeval streets, lined with dazzling town-houses of austere elegance, built in the successful and flourishing period in which that particular trait of the Gothic style characteristic of the city had become established: this is the essence of an urban fabric which has not been deprived of its organic unity and cohesion by the stratification of the centuries. The most authentic Sienese painting was also Gothic, expressive and tender, so detailed as to imitate the art of miniature.
A city of contrasts and passions, an unyielding Ghibelline rival of Guelph Florence, Siena is also the land of saints and solid traditions. It was here that one of the most popular saints and mystics, Catherine, was born and is still venerated; it was here that the women replied to Charles V's exhausting siege in 1554 with feasting and dancing; it is here that the 17 "contrade", the ancient districts of the city, each year anxiously await the days when the Palio is held, that wild horse-race, which since the 13th century has fired the hearts of the Sienese and is the enduring point of reference of their identity.