Siena is a medieval city in the region of Tuscany, located in the north of Italy some 70 km (43 miles) south of Florence. It is probably best known for a colourful horse race, Il Palio, conducted twice each year in the summer. Siena was a proud, wealthy, and warlike independent state during the Middle Ages, until its final defeat by Florence. Medieval Sienese art (painting, sculpture, architecture, etc.) is unique and of historical importance. Sienese people are fiercely proud of their city and their neighborhood (contrada). http://wikitravel.org/en/Siena