Siena is also a colony Romanaas attested by documents, although the discovery of some sites etruscans within the historical center suggest its birth in the period of the pre-Roman. In X century Siena becomes an important city medieval. Her desire for expansion inevitably brings her into conflict with Florence generating a series of conflicts, some very bloody, creating a rivalry between the two that lasted several centuries. A Siena there is the seat of Monte dei Paschi di Siena in activity since 1472 and therefore today the oldest banking institution in the world and also the most long-lived. In the summer there are two events at which the Senesi (and not only) are particularly attached and that has made Siena so known: the Palio, a race of horses ridden without saddle (bareback) and each of which represents one of the 17 Contrade (wards) of Siena. The two events are broadcast live on national TV and take place on July 2 and August 16 of each year.
Among the interesting places to visit in SienaThe CathedralThe Piazza del CampoThe Municipal Palace, the Basilica of S. DomenicoThe Catherine Shrine and HouseThe Salimbeni Palace.
San Gimignano ...from the beautiful Towers is also so called for its towers, as many as 14, beautifully preserved. It is thought that in 14th century if there were 72, while today there are 14 left. Wanting to make a comparison (risky) with cities US, San Gimignano could be considered a medieval downtown by Manhattan o Chicago. The name comes from Geminiano which was Bishop of Modena and then Patron Saint as well as Modena even of San Gimignano and that tradition indicates him as the protector of the city during the invasion of the Unni led by Attila. San Gimignano was an important city of the middle ages being located on the Via Francigena, one of the three most important religious pilgrimage routes together with that of the Holy Land and Santiago de Campostela.
Among the interesting places to visit in San Gimignano: the Collegiate Church, the Big Tower (accessed), Cathedral Square, Cistern Square, the Walls of San Gimignano.
The excursion to Siena and San Gimignano foresees a departure from Florence (at the facility where you are staying: Hotel or Apartment) at 9am and a return at 5pm. The total duration, including transportation, is about 8 hours. Both can be visited independently but if you want a more in-depth historical and a more complete visit we suggest to do it with a local Authorized Guide (at an additional cost, always book it with us) all day (both cities) or half day (one of the two).
