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A holiday in Tuscany would not be complete without a visit to one of the region's most iconic destinations - Siena. This picturesque medieval city is bursting with history and culture and is a brilliant place to spend a day on your Tuscan travels. Whether you choose to marvel at the spectacular Duomo cathedral, spend an afternoon looking at works of art dating back to the 13th century or simply stroll the streets of the historic town centre, you are sure to have a truly memorable Tuscan experience. Legend has it that Siena's history dates back to the time of Remus and Romulus, with the city being founded by the son of Remus himself. In actual fact, the area was likely an Etruscan settlement that became a fully-fledged town in the first century BC. After a military struggle that resulted in Siena's alliance with Florence for almost a century in the late 1200s, the city really came into its own - and much of its rich medieval heritage is still apparent in the art and architecture of Siena that can be seen today. It was during this time that many of the distinctive Gothic buildings in the city were designed and constructed, as well as landmarks such as the spectacular Palazzo Comunale and the famous Piazza del Campo. The latter is considered to be one of Europe's finest medieval squares and is famed for its groundbreaking architectural design. Twice a year, the plaza hosts the exciting Palio di Siena - a horse race that is a favourite of tourists and locals alike. Best of all, you will be able to explore Siena's historic city centre on foot without worrying about traffic. Since 1966, motor vehicles have been banned from the heart of this Italian city, so you can marvel at this Unesco World Heritage-listed area and take as long as you like! Once you've seen the best of the city's medieval architecture, you may want to head to the Pinacoteca, which houses many of Siena's most important artworks from its prosperous 13th and 14th century heyday. No matter where you choose to explore in Siena, your visit to this important historical centre will help to make your Tuscan villa stay a holiday to remember. If you are looking for the perfect self-catering property in Tuscany, Invitation to Tuscany can help. We have a wide range of self-catering Tuscany villas to choose from so you can kick back, relax and enjoy your break.
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