Siena timeline

  • Feb 14, 1147

    Height of its splendour

    Became an independent comune after a century of rule under the bishop
  • Feb 14, 1205

    Palazzo Tolomei built

  • Feb 14, 1240

    Studium Senese established

  • Feb 14, 1255

    Battle of Montaperti.

  • Feb 14, 1255

    Basilica of San Francesco built

  • Feb 14, 1260

    Battle of Montaperti.

  • Sep 14, 1260

    Battle of Monteperti

    Due to its Ghibelline status, Siena went to war against neighbouring Florence, which supported the Pope. Its troops gained a formidable victory against the Florentines at the Battle of Monteperti
  • Feb 14, 1263

    Siena Cathedral buil

  • Feb 14, 1265

    Basilica of San Domenico built

  • Feb 14, 1287

    Noveschi in power

  • Feb 14, 1291

    Gioco delle Pugna

    in which the contenders fought with their hands covered by a wicker structure, or other games such as the Pallonata or the Bufalata
  • Feb 14, 1301

    Golden age of architecture

    Siena reached its golden age of architecture during the 14th century, when the city was able to erect many of the most important buildings that survive to this day. These include the Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico (then known as Palazzo dei Signori in reference to the city’s ‘Nine’ governors) the Duomo and the Torre del Mangia.
  • Feb 14, 1308

    Palazzo Pubblico built

  • Feb 14, 1348

    the great Plague

    In emulation of ancient Rome, Siena wished to underline its independence. But the great Plague of 1348 decimated the city’s population, bringing decadence and financial collapse
  • Feb 14, 1348

    Black Death plague

  • Feb 14, 1348

    Torre del Mangia built

  • Feb 14, 1360

    Public clock installed

  • Feb 14, 1380

    Died ofCaterina Benincasa

    Despite losing their independence, the people of Siena retained their proverbial courage and cunning. St Catherine of Siena, who during her lifetime was called Caterina Benincasa, died in 1380
  • Feb 14, 1390

    Annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany

    End of the government of the ‘Nine’ and loss of independence when in 1390 the city was annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.