Siena

The original feature of Siena’s Palio, which occur in July and August every year, are how they transform the town, typically for a four-day period surrounding the races. The races, on bareback horses, have been an Italian tradition since 1656.

Watch Geobeats’s introduction to Siena, which discusses the beauty, prestige and history of the town.

The Piazza del Campo is the nexus of the picturesque and bustling town. Travel video site Geobeats takes us to Siena’s square for a look at the shell-shaped area where residents and tourists converge to eat, talk, and admire the surrounding architecture.

Local wine, pasta, and olive oil aren’t the only delicacies a trip to Siena affords: Another special trait is panforte, a rich pastry containing nuts, honey, dried fruit and flour, and sometimes a “secret combination of spices.” Learn more from Geobeats’ video clip.

National Geographic has an exclusive online slideshow of Siena, taken by one of the magazine’s veteran photographers.

For the admirer of all things Tuscan, the magazine also has an article giving tips and insight on how to enjoy the entire Tuscany region “like a Tuscan.”

New York Carver has a collection of images of marble and limestone carvings from around the world, including a page of Siena’s gargoyles and other stone figures of the Duomo.

Tour Siena from the perspective of a Tuscan with the 360-degree view from Italy Guides, a site that compiles travel tips with intriguing visuals and interactive tools. Head to “Pictures of Siena” on the right-hand side for a slide-show of the town’s religious masterpieces and its secular gems: fountains, statues, and the well-known Courtyard de la Podestà.