Geography of Siena
Siena,(Italian:), Italy, a city in Tuscany, about 115 miles (185 km) northwest of Rome. Siena is primarily a tourist and art center, little changed since the 15th century. Medieval walls enclose the city with its narrow, winding streets lined by Gothic- and Renaissance-style buildings. Outstanding among Siena's landmarks are the central square, the cathedral, and the 14th-century town hall. The Palio delle Contrade, a colorful horse race and festival held since 1656, attracts numerous visitors each summer.
Siena was founded as a Roman colony in the first century B.C. After the fall of Rome in the fifth century A.D., it was ruled in turn by Lombards, Franks, and its own counts. Between about 1125 and 1500 Siena rivaled Florence as a trading and banking center. During this period Siena was the seat of a school of painting that included such artists as Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini.
In the mid-1500's Siena was conquered by the Medicis of Florence. They ruled Tuscany until their line died out in 1737, and their holdings passed to the family of Hapsburg-Lorraine. In 1860 Siena, with the rest of Tuscany, was annexed by the Kingdom of Sardinia, the nucleus of united Italy.
Population: 61,349.