An illustrated history of Siena

Sitting on the gentle hills in the heart of Tuscany, Siena appears as a miniature gem to be looked at, studied and visited. Its populace has lived over the centuries a concentrated and fascinating historical journey, starting from the origins of the city to the Communal period, from the conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines to the short period of the Seigniory, and finally to the present day, which has made it not only one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, but also one of the most beautiful in the entire historical and artistic world heritage. Tough and ambitious task, this volume has the objective to outline its virtuous historical plot, guiding the reader in a “three-dimensional” reading. The history of the city is complemented not only by brief and incisive thematic analysis, but also by delightful photographs, created especially for this volume.


Giuliano Catoni had the Chair of Historical Archives at the University of Siena, has published the catalogues of many archives, and personally cared for the publication of several catalogues of historical sources. He has written essays on the Middle Ages and on modern history, and he dedicates his historical research to the history of Siena.


Gabriella Piccinni, Reader in Medieval History at the University of Siena, has published essays on the Sienese society in the Middle Ages, and other essays on the general history of the countryside, the social welfare, pilgrimage and several university handbooks.