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Italy has long been one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire world, and for good reason. Beautiful sites, an enrapturing culture, wine, unbelievable food and so much more serve to lure thousands of tourists to this historic country. Siena, Italy is a well-known destination spot. Nestled in the region of Tuscany, Siena is well-known for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and a popular horse race held twice annually called the Palio.
Siena was first established during the time of the Etruscans and was initially inhabited by a tribe called the Saina. The tribe founded a Roman town known as Saena Julia during the reign of Emperor Augustus. These Roman origins account for the town's emblem, which is a she-wolf suckling the infants Remus and Romulus. According to the legend, the town of Siena was established by the son of Remus, Senius, who was Romulus' brother, after whom Rome derives its name. Statues and other forms of artwork picturing a she-wolf suckling the infant twins Remus and Romulus can be viewed throughout the city of Siena.
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Duomo, Siena's cathedral, was established in the 12th century and stands as a shining example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It stands out from other cathedrals in that its axis runs north-south. Inside the cathedral is the famous Gothic octagonal pulpit by Nicola Pisano which is supported on lions along with the labyrinth inlaid in the flooring which was traced by the repentant on their knees.
For tourists who visit Italy for the impeccable wine selection, visiting the Tuscan Wine School will have to be at the top of your list. Here you have the chance to become an Italian wine lover in less than two hours with daily wine tasting sessions with a professional sommelier and a wide variety of wines. Those who are unfamiliar with wine will have the opportunity to learn about denominations, grape varietals and the proper way to taste a wine among other things. Other attractions include the Mangia Tower (Torre Del Mangia), Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana and Pecci Garden. Art lovers will want to make sure that they stop by the Pinacoteca Nazionale which houses some of the greatest Italian paintings from the 13th and 14th century.
If you're letting the elements dictate when you travel, you'll want to know that Tuscany has a mild Mediterranean climate with humid, hot summers and wet, cold winters. Temperatures in the winter range from 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit in the summers. It's well-advised that you visit in May, September and October.
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