Siena

The Etruscans settled in an area in 900-400 BCE, they called Saina. The Romans further developed the hillside area and called it Saena Julia. Today we know this walled medieval town as Siena. 

History has left its mark in this town in several ways. 

In 1349, St. Catherine of Siena, a nurse and theological author, was born here. 

In 1472, the world’s oldest operating bank, the Monte dei Paschi, began its service to the community. 

In 1722, the inaugural race of the Palio de Siena was run. Horses representing various communities would race around the Piazza del Campo square for bragging rights. This race is held twice annual on July 2 and August 16, and attracts crowds of the rich and famous. 

Rules from the 1500s dictate that the bricks in the Center of the track must be laid in a herringbone pattern.