As regards the spirit of the city, Siena was influenced by many different cultures and its architecture appears as a witness of these past times. Although the city is quite small there are a plenty of things to visit and the way will always lead you back to the beautiful main place: Piazzo del Campo, shaped as a shell, where you can rest or enjoy a snack in one of the numerous restaurants nearby.
Finally, the city is divided into seventeen areas (contrade) that rival with each other in the Palio race (a horse race) two times a year. During the rest of the year the inhabitants are very kind and helpful and love sitting at the alleyways of their town to enjoy good Italian food and wine. The city is also home of one of the oldest universities in Europe.
