<\/p>\n
Siena<\/strong> is also a colony Romana<\/em>as attested by documents, although the discovery of some sites etruscans<\/em> within the historical center suggest its birth in the period of the pre-Roman<\/em>. In X century<\/strong> Siena<\/strong> becomes an important city medieval<\/em>. Her desire for expansion inevitably brings her into conflict with Florence<\/strong> generating a series of conflicts, some very bloody, creating a rivalry between the two that lasted several centuries. A Siena<\/strong> there is the seat of Monte dei Paschi di Siena<\/em> 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<\/strong> (and not only) are particularly attached and that has made Siena<\/strong> so known: the Palio<\/em>, a race of horses ridden without saddle (bareback) and each of which represents one of the 17 Contrade<\/em> (wards) of Siena<\/strong>. The two events are broadcast live on national TV and take place on July 2 and August 16 of each year.<\/p>\n Among the interesting places to visit in Siena<\/strong>The Cathedral<\/em>The Piazza del Campo<\/em>The Municipal Palace<\/em>, the Basilica of S. Domenico<\/em>The Catherine Shrine and House<\/em>The Salimbeni Palace<\/em>.<\/p>\n San Gimignano<\/strong> ...from the beautiful Towers<\/em> is also so called for its towers, as many as 14, beautifully preserved. It is thought that in 14th century<\/em> if there were 72, while today there are 14 left. Wanting to make a comparison (risky) with cities US<\/em>, San Gimignano<\/strong> could be considered a medieval downtown<\/em> by Manhattan<\/em> o Chicago<\/em>. The name comes from Geminiano<\/strong><\/em> which was Bishop of Modena<\/em> and then Patron Saint<\/em> as well as Modena<\/em> even of San Gimignano<\/strong> and that tradition indicates him as the protector of the city during the invasion of the Unni<\/em> led by Attila<\/em>. San Gimignano<\/strong> was an important city of the middle ages<\/em> being located on the Via Francigena<\/em>, one of the three most important religious pilgrimage routes together with that of the Holy Land<\/strong><\/em> and Santiago de Campostela<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n Among the interesting places to visit in San Gimignano<\/strong>: the Collegiate Church<\/em>, the Big Tower<\/em> (accessed), Cathedral Square<\/em>, Cistern Square<\/em>, the Walls of San Gimignano<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/i> 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<\/strong>. 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).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Both historical centers of Siena<\/strong> e San Gimignano<\/strong> are part of the World Heritage today UNESCO<\/em>. The geographical context in which the two cities are located enhances their beauty and enriches their uniqueness. Only about 1 hour from Florence, these two jewels of Tuscany offer the opportunity, by visiting their artistic and architectural treasures, to take a trip back in time more than 700 years. With the beautiful spring and summer season the visit of Siena<\/strong> e San Gimignano<\/strong> are also an opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes, made of olive groves and vineyards, which surround them ...