Siena: The Jewel of Tuscany

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore
  [pehr fah-voh-reh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [gra-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa
  [skoo-sah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh kohs-tah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [set-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?
  [pwoh-ee mohs-tahr-mee neh-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boo-s]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ...)
  [oon beel-lyeh-toh pehr]

According to legend, Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, sons of Remus, one of the founders of Rome. They fled Rome after their father's murder and brought with them the statue of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, which became an emblem of the city. Historically, Siena was likely established by the Etruscans and later developed as a Roman colony.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Siena emerged as a wealthy and powerful city-state. Its prosperity was largely due to its strategic position on the Via Francigena, an important medieval pilgrimage route. The city was governed by the Sienese Republic, a form of autonomous government that allowed it to flourish economically and culturally.

On September 4, 1260, the Battle of Montaperti took place between the Sienese Ghibellines and the Florentine Guelphs. The Sienese achieved a decisive victory, which is celebrated as a high point in the city's history. This battle ensured Siena's independence and reinforced its rivalry with Florence.

The Siena Cathedral, or Duomo di Siena, is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Construction began in the 12th century and continued for several hundred years. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning facade, intricate marble floors, and the Piccolomini Library frescoes. It stands as a testament to the city's artistic and architectural achievements.

In 1348, the Black Death struck Siena, leading to a dramatic population decline and economic downturn. The city lost a significant portion of its inhabitants, which halted many of its ambitious architectural projects, including the expansion of the cathedral. Despite these challenges, Siena's artistic and cultural legacy continued to thrive.

The Palio di Siena is a historic horse race held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and is a vibrant expression of Sienese culture. Each race features ten horses and riders representing different city districts, or contrade. The Palio is not just a race but a deeply ingrained cultural event that showcases the city's communal spirit and historical rivalries.

In 1555, after a prolonged siege, Siena was conquered by the Spanish and subsequently handed over to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under Medici rule. This marked the end of the Sienese Republic. Although Siena lost its political independence, it retained its rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Despite political changes, Siena remained a significant cultural center during the Renaissance. Artists like Duccio di Buoninsegna and Ambrogio Lorenzetti left an indelible mark on the city with their works, particularly in the field of painting. The Siena School of painting is noted for its vibrant colors and detailed compositions, contributing to the city's enduring artistic legacy.

Siena is located in the Tuscany region of Italy. The nearest major airport is Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci), approximately 85 kilometers away. From Florence, you can take a bus or train to Siena, with buses typically being the more direct option. Alternatively, Pisa International Airport is about 120 kilometers away and offers additional flight options. From Pisa, you can take a train to Siena, usually requiring a transfer in Florence. Car rentals are also available at both airports for those who prefer to drive.

Siena itself is best explored on foot, especially the historic city center which is a pedestrian-only zone. For longer distances within the city, local buses operated by Tiemme are reliable and cover most areas. Taxi services are available but can be expensive. If you're planning to explore the Tuscan countryside, renting a car is a convenient option, but be mindful of the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in the city where car access is restricted.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and public transportation. ATMs are plentiful throughout Siena, and you can withdraw cash as needed.

Siena is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular destination, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Piazza del Campo and during events such as the Palio horse race. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and always keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always wise.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. Siena has several medical facilities, including the Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, which is the main hospital. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like ribollita and pici pasta. Don’t rush your meals; Italians appreciate leisurely dining.

To experience Siena like a local, visit the Contrada museums to learn about the city's unique district culture, especially during the Palio. Take a stroll around the weekly market at La Lizza on Wednesdays where locals buy fresh produce and goods. Enjoy a glass of local Chianti wine at a small enoteca (wine bar) and engage with the friendly locals. Wander through the lesser-known streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and authentic trattorias.