The floor of Siena Cathedral is a unique work of art in the world. It depicts ancient messages and allegories and encourages continuous study of wisdom. This marble carpet was created over six centuries of work, from the 14th to the 18th century, by Renaissance masters such as Domenico Beccafumi, Sassetta, Matteo di Giovanni, and Pinturicchio, who created one of the most beautiful panels in 1505: the Mount of Wisdom. Here, Angelica symbolically represents Fortune, who governs the fate of humans, and resembles Botticelli's Venus.
With its imposing presence dominating Piazza del Campo, the civic tower of Palazzo Pubblico stands with elegance and grandeur. Made mostly of classic red bricks, representing the connection with the "common citizen," the tower reaches a height of 102
meters, ranking as the third tallest in Italy. The upper part of the tower, on the other hand, was made of white travertine, perhaps to make it more visible. When it was decided to build the tower, which would later become the Tower of Mangia, alongside the cathedral's bell tower, the intention was to make them the same height to symbolize the equality of the two powers. However, although the bell tower is only 77 meters tall, it is positioned on higher ground about 10 meters above the tower. Therefore, when viewed from Via Francigena, these two structures actually appear to be the same height.
The Palio di Siena is one of the oldest traditions of the medieval city of Siena in Italy. The history of the Palio dates back to the year 1644 when a horse race was held in Siena, where horses and riders competed for a rich reward. Since then, the tradition of the Palio has remained a recurring event greatly loved by the people of Siena. The Palio di Siena is an event that takes place twice a year, in summer and autumn. During the event, ten teams of horses and riders representing each of the ten districts of Siena compete in a race around the Piazza del Campo. The winner receives a painted banner with the image of a patron saint, which is kept in the Siena Cathedral until the next edition of the Palio. Despite being a highly competitive race, the Palio di Siena is much more than a mere sports competition. The race is accompanied by a series of celebrations, music, traditional dances, fireworks, and variety shows that attract thousands of tourists. The Palio di Siena is a tradition passed down through generations and is still very much alive in the medieval city. It is a unique event, rich in history and emotions, cherished by people from all over the world.
