Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIENA
POP 52,800
The rivalry between historic adversaries Siena and Florence continues to this day, and par-
ticipation isn't limited to the local s - most travellers tend to develop a strong preference
for one over the other. These allegiances often boil down to aesthetic preference: while
Florence saw its greatest flourishing during the Renaissance, Siena's enduring artistic glor-
ies are largely Gothic.
Sadly, the city has been seriously affected by the financial mismanagement of the Banca
Monte dei Paschi di Siena - the world's oldest bank and until now a source of immense
local pride, employment and arts patronage. For more on this,
Click here
.
