Siena is located in the heart of the tuscan countryside, surrounded by placid rivers and hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. It is one of the most picturesque tuscan city, its old town has remained pretty much the same during time, frozen between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Historic rival of Florence, Siena was defeat in 1555 and from that moment it was obligated to follow the will of Florence government. However the city never gave up to its traditions as the one of Palio, the horse race that takes place twice a year among the districts of the city. The competition is held in Piazza del Campo, the main square of the old town, political heart of Siena during the Renaissance where is located even the Palazzo Comunale. Piazza del Duomo is instead the most important religious center of the city: here is located the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in which are preserved some artworks of Michelangelo, Donatello, Pinturicchio.
