Siena, with its enchanting medieval architecture and narrow streets, offers a more intimate experience compared to its bustling neighbor Florence. Despite its smaller size, Siena boasts a rich artistic heritage and a historical significance as a rival to Florence, particularly marked by its military victory in 1260. The city's cultural importance is being highlighted by upcoming exhibitions like the National Gallery's showcase on its artistic rise during the 14th century, reaffirming Siena's crucial role in European art history amidst the overwhelming tourist deluge in Florence.
This warren of narrow streets, some so tight that only the noon sunshine penetrates all the way down to the cobbles, is part gothic, part romanesque, and all beautiful.
Given Florence's touristic predominance, it is not obvious to many that for a long time these two great Tuscan city-states were rivals.
Siena became one of the great urban centres of Italy, cementing its status with an unlikely military victory against the more numerous forces of Florence in 1260.
For anyone who can't make it to Chianti, the National Gallery in London will begin an extensive exhibition, Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350.
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