Siena

The sole living model of Medieval city, Siena has Etruscan origins; Former Roman colony, later conquered by the Florentines in 1555 becoming part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The city branches out over three ridges of hills called "terzi" and subdivided into "contrade" (wards). 

Piazza del Campo, the main square, is the core of the city and with its scallop-shell shape it is the venue for the famous Palio (horse race): colors, big shouting crowds, 10 bareback ridden horses -  representing each ward -  for a race lasting only a few seconds, yet to the Sienese it represents their history and their life.

Not to be missed: Gaia Fountain (by Jacopo della Quercia), Torre del Mangia, the Civic Museum, Piccolomini Palace, Piazza Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale.