Less than a two-hour drive northwest of Spoleto is Siena, a beautiful and historic city in the Tuscany region that our Spoleto Study Abroad students often get to visit for a day trip. The city was founded, according to legend, by the two sons of Remus—whose brother Romulus founded Rome. The sons of Remus supposedly rode white and black horses, and therefore the coat of arms of Siena boasts these contrasting colors. All around the city, white and black can be seen side by side, especially at the Duomo di Siena, the medieval church built in the 13th century.

Numerous famous Renaissance artists were born and worked in Siena, and the University of Siena is one of the oldest universities still in operation, as it was founded in 1240. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Spoleto Study Abroad students are fortunate to explore Siena’s duomo, piazza, and other historic sites during their day trip to the city, gaining insight and inspiration to help them grow creatively and intellectually.