12.11.2009 - 30.05.2010
For the anniversary of the Sienese Constitution, Piazza del Campo is once again the same as in 1309. Celebrations will be held until springtime.
On Saturday 14th November, Piazza del Campo, well-known for the Palio, becomes a meeting and business point as it was back in 1309, the year when the Sienese Law was translated from Latin into the vulgar tongue, a forerunning Constitution in the language that then became Italian.
The parchment of the “Costituto” was transcribed so that anyone could read it; today it is exhibited in the Palazzo Pubblico, which also guards Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegories of “Good and bad government”, another “visual” translation to make those who could not read understand the rules of public life.
After the picturesque historical market of November 14th, Siena, “la Città del Sì”, keeps celebrating until May, providing guided tours in the old town centre every week-end to make visitors discover highly valuable architectural and artistic works. In Santa Maria della Scala you can admire, for instance, the Contrada flags in the Stibbert Museum and the old Triumphal Chariots of the historical Palio parade. Even the meals ensure a journey into the past: the menus of the restaurants include delicious medieval dishes.
Situated in the centre-south of Tuscany, the province of Siena extends over some of the most famous and fascinating Tuscan territories, such as the southern hills of Chianti, Val d’Elsa and Val di Merse, Val d'Arbia, Val di Chiana and Val d'Orcia, right up to the slopes of Mount Amiata.
