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Siena Trivia
anecdotes, legends and little mysteries
Siena is not just a city of great monuments and imposing squares; it is an intricate maze of whispered stories, mysterious symbols, and small details that escape the eye of the hurried tourist. To truly understand the soul of this city, you must learn to read between the lines of its medieval walls and to uncover those anecdotes that make every alley a chapter in a living book.
One of the most fascinating mysteries concerns the Sienese She-Wolf. Walking through the city, you will notice everywhere the sculpture of a she-wolf nursing two twins, a symbol we commonly associate with Rome. Legend says that Siena was founded by Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, who fled Rome after their father was killed by their uncle Romulus. They brought with them the statue of the she-wolf stolen from the temple of Apollo, making it the symbol of their new homeland. This is why Siena is dotted with wolves, bearing witness to a legendary and proud bond with Roman origins.
Another unmissable curiosity concerns the Torre del Mangia. Its odd name has nothing to do with food in the strict sense, but comes from the nickname of its first keeper, Giovanni di Balduccio. The man was famous for his habit of spending all his earnings in Sienese taverns, earning the title of "Mangiaguadagni" or, more briefly, "il Mangia." When the tower bell rings, the Sienese still say it is the voice of the Mangia calling the city.
Finally, looking up at the façades of noble palaces, you may notice wrought-iron rings in the most varied shapes: dragons, horse heads, or fantastic creatures. They were not mere decorations, but essential tools of medieval life, used to tie up horses and to hold torches to light the streets. Every detail, from the brick "signed" by the craftsman to the narrowest alley of the ghetto, tells of a Siena that has managed to preserve its enigmatic charm intact for over seven hundred years.
attraction
curiosity
the advice
Scotte Alley Once part of the Jewish ghetto, it is one of Siena’s narrowest and most charming alleys, perfect for photos that capture its medieval essence. Ascanio, son of Remo, fleeing Rome.
Look for the Horses’ Rings On the facades of the buildings you will find old wrought-iron rings. They were used to tie up horses and hold torches: many are true works of artisan craft.
The Sienese She-Wolf Siena is full of statues of the She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the city was founded by Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, fleeing from Rome.
information for the tourist
Suggested itinerary: Spend at least a couple of hours on a aimless walking tour, starting from Castelvecchio (the highest and oldest area) to spot lesser-known architectural details.
Openings: Most architectural curiosities are outdoors, making this "visit" free and available 24 hours a day.
Photos: The best light to capture the details of the stones and narrow alleys is early morning or late afternoon, when long shadows enhance the volumes of Siena brick.