Audio Guide Siena – History of Siena
Siena Audio Guide – History of Siena – Back
Siena is in the central area of Tuscany which comprehends the valleys of Elsa, Arbia and Merse. It probably originates from a Roman colony under the reign of Augustus towards the first half of the first century A.D., this colony was called Saena Iulia.
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Siena was in the middle of an important and commercial spot and so, it soon became a rich medieval city.
In the XII century
Siena begins to expand its territories towards the North of Tuscany with new strategic and political alliances.
As the economic power of Siena started to grow, Senese bankers were able to gain a strategic position for their relationships with other European countries and with the Pope. In the XI and XII centuries the number of citizens grew due to the expansion of the city walls. It is during this period that the city of Siena witnessed a growth in public and private enterprises. The Arts also grew during this period, with the building of the new Duomo and the development of the Senese figurative arts.
The year 1400 contributed to the evolution of the city of Siena with new constructions of palaces and residences for the richest people in Siena.
During this period, Renaissance architecture grew enormously following the inspiration of Florence.
This was the period when palaces such as those of the Piccolomini family and the Loggia dei Lanzi were built.
In 1600 the urban features of Siena changed again with the growth of new form of arts inspired to Roman architecture. The city we can visit today is actually the result of centuries of history and of the fusion of different architectures. Siena witnesses the artists’ search for beauty and harmony with its works of art which are famous all around the world.
