Tourist information - Siena
Siena is a city in central Italy, capital of Siena Province, in Tuscany Region. Siena preserves its medieval architecture, including walls and gates that surround the city. The city is a tourist center along with a market for the wine and marble created in the area. Manufactures include chemicals, fertilizers, and textiles. Terra (or raw) sienna, used as a pigment in paints, is produced in the vicinity. The cathedral (11th-14th centuries) is among the most interesting examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. The Gothic style municipal palace, commenced in 1288 and finished in 1309, contains various paintings by Sienese artists. One of the city's remarkable public institutions is the University of Siena (1240), with faculties of medicine and law. A medieval Roman town, Siena became an independent commune in the 12th century. During the 16th century Siena was subjugated by its rival, Florence. Ljao/jan/1v21