Italy in Photos

Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena, Italy (September 2018)

Siena

Siena, a stunning hilltop city located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural traditions. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captures the essence of medieval Italy. Its winding, narrow streets, breathtaking piazzas, and Gothic landmarks transport visitors back to a time of powerful city-states, when Siena was a thriving centre of commerce, culture, and art. At the heart of Siena lies the Piazza del Campo, one of the most famous medieval squares in Europe and the city’s beating heart. Shaped like a shell, this unique piazza is the centre of social life in Siena, framed by beautiful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Dominating the square is the Torre del Mangia, a towering medieval bell tower that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding Tuscan countryside. Adjacent to the tower is the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s Gothic town hall, which has been the centre of Sienese government since the 14th century. Inside, visitors can admire frescoes by renowned artists, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s famous “Allegory of Good and Bad Government”, a masterpiece of early Renaissance art. Siena is perhaps most famous for its biannual horse race, the Palio di Siena, held in the Piazza del Campo every July 2nd and August 16th. This thrilling and fiercely competitive event, dating back to the Middle Ages, sees ten riders representing different neighbourhoods, or contrade, race bareback around the piazza. The Palio is more than just a race—it is a deep-rooted tradition and source of pride for the Sienese people. Visitors who witness the Palio not only experience the race itself but also the vibrant parades, historic costumes, and the passion of a city that lives and breathes this centuries-old tradition.

One of Siena’s most iconic landmarks is the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. The cathedral’s striking black-and-white striped marble façade and ornate interior are awe-inspiring. Inside, visitors are greeted by stunning works of art, including the intricate mosaic floors, sculptures by Michelangelo, and the exquisite Piccolomini Library, decorated with vibrant frescoes by Pinturicchio. The cathedral also houses the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which showcases treasures of religious art and offers access to a panoramic viewpoint with breathtaking views of the city. Siena’s rich cultural history is closely tied to its status as a centre of learning and art during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The city’s historic university, founded in 1240, is one of the oldest in Europe and continues to play an important role in academic life. Additionally, Siena has been home to some of Italy’s greatest artists and thinkers, including Simone Martini, Duccio, and Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s two patron saints. Beyond its famous landmarks and historical significance, Siena offers a unique Tuscan charm with its relaxed pace of life and focus on tradition. The city is surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan countryside, with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves that produce some of Italy’s finest wines and olive oils. The local cuisine reflects this heritage, with dishes like pici (hand-rolled pasta), ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), and panforte (a traditional fruit and nut cake) showcasing the flavours of the region. Siena is a city that combines history, art, and tradition in a way that few other places can. Whether you are exploring its medieval streets, visiting its majestic cathedral, or witnessing the Palio, Siena offers an unforgettable journey through the

Giardini la Lizza, Viale Rinaldo Franci, 53100 Siena, Italy (September 2018)

Giardini la Lizza is a beautiful public garden located along Viale Rinaldo Franci in the historic city of Siena, Italy. Nestled just outside the ancient walls of the city’s medieval centre, this green space offers a peaceful retreat from Siena’s bustling piazzas, while still embodying the city’s rich cultural and historical atmosphere. Known for its vibrant greenery, flower beds, and artistic monuments, Giardini la Lizza is both a recreational spot and a reminder of Siena’s deep-rooted history and commitment to preserving natural beauty. The origins of Giardini la Lizza date back to the 19th century, when it was developed as part of a broader urban expansion to provide Siena’s residents with a public green space near the city’s edges. “La Lizza,” meaning “the lawn,” reflects its purpose as a sprawling garden where locals and visitors could enjoy leisurely strolls or quiet moments of relaxation. While Siena is renowned for its medieval architecture and Gothic landmarks, Giardini la Lizza offers a softer, verdant side to the city, creating a contrast with the narrow, ancient streets that lead into Siena’s historic centre. As visitors enter the gardens, they are greeted by meticulously landscaped lawns, seasonal flower displays, and a range of plant species that add to the park’s natural allure. Trees, including tall pines and lush Mediterranean varieties, provide cool shade on warm summer days and contribute to the garden’s tranquil atmosphere. The layout of the park is ideal for leisurely strolls, with wide, meandering pathways that invite visitors to explore every corner of this serene retreat. Benches are thoughtfully placed throughout the garden, offering spots to sit and take in views of Siena’s surroundings or simply watch people go by, immersed in the relaxed pace of Italian life.

One of the defining features of Giardini la Lizza is its integration of art and historical monuments. The park hosts several statues and memorials, including a prominent statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key figure in Italy’s unification movement in the 19th century. This statue is a focal point of the gardens, symbolizing national pride and Siena’s connection to broader Italian history. The presence of such monuments makes Giardini la Lizza not only a place for relaxation but also a space for reflection on Italy’s historical journey. The garden’s proximity to other key Sienese landmarks makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the city. Situated near the Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress), a massive 16th-century fort that now serves as a cultural venue, Giardini la Lizza is often part of an itinerary that includes exploring Siena’s artistic and historical attractions. The nearby Piazza del Campo, Siena’s iconic shell-shaped square, is only a short walk away, making the gardens an ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in the historic centre. Throughout the year, Giardini la Lizza hosts events and activities that bring the community together, from seasonal flower shows to outdoor music performances. These events transform the park into a lively gathering space, where both locals and tourists can enjoy Siena’s communal spirit amid natural beauty. In spring and summer, the gardens are particularly enchanting, as flowers bloom in vibrant colours, filling the air with the scent of fresh blossoms. Giardini la Lizza is more than just a green space; it is a beloved part of Siena’s public life, a place where history, art, and nature intertwine. For those visiting Siena, a stroll through these gardens offers a refreshing perspective on the city, one that highlights the Sienese appreciation for both beauty and history, set against a backdrop of lush Italian landscapes.

Photo Gallery of  Walk 1 – Stazione Ferroviaria Siena to Giardini la Lizza
Approximately 1.85 km – 1.15 miles

The walk starts at Stazione Ferroviaria Siena – Enter the Shopping Centre opposite and ascend using the escalators and travelators to Viale Vittorio Emanuele II – Viale Camillo Benso di Cavour – Parrocchia S. Petronilla walk back to Viale Vittorio Emanuele II – Porta Camollia – Piazza Guido Chigi Saracini – Via Campansi – Via Camollia – San Pietro Alla Magione, Via Camollia – Via Di Fontegiusta – Chiesa di Santa Maria in Portico a Fontegiusta – walk back to Via Camollia – Via Campansi – Via dei Montanini – Chiesa di Sant’Andrea, Via dei Montanini – Via Sasso di S. Bernardino – Piazza Antonio Gramsci – Giardini la Lizza

Photo Gallery of  Walk 2 – Piazza Antonio Gramsci to Via di Città
Approximately 1.41 km – 0.88 miles

The walk starts in Piazza Antonio Gramsci – Via Sasso di S. Bernardino – Via dei Montanini – Piazza Salimbeni – Via dei Montanini – Piazza Tolomei – Via Cecco Angiolieri – Piazza Tolomei – Via Banchi di Sopra – Vicolo S. Pietro – Piazza del Campo – Costa Barbieri – Via di Città – Fondazione Accademia Musicale Chigiana – Onlus, Via di Città – Via di Città – Via del Castoro – Piazza Jacopo della Quercia – Piazza del Duomo – Via del Capitano – Via di Città