HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY!!!!!

 On June 2, 1946, Italy became a republic. Out of World War II, in a nationwide referendum, Italians rejected monarchy and chose a republican form of government, which began the modernization of the country. It is now a national holiday to celebrate the foundation of the Italian Republican democracy.

Sitting With The Council

Known as Palazzo Comunale, Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico is considered on of the finest examples of gothic secular architecture. This was the former residence of the city’s Signoria and is now the seat of the town council. Out of all the buildings that look onto Piazza del Campo, this Palazzo is the most imposing building that commands your attention inside of the square. It is the true and natural center of the squares

architecture. Until 1270, Siena was ruled by a council of 24 members known as Governo dei Ventiquattro. This group used to hold meetings in a building next to the church of San Pellegrino. They decided that they needed a building that would hold their government and show it had equal power to the church.

In the late 13^th century they had began to design and construct their new government building. This building would hold the new government of nine members and confine them to the palazzo. The council would then be given a large chamber known as the Salone del Gran Consiglio. The full building was not completed until 1680 when the two side-wings were completed. The large copper disc bearing the monogram of Christ was placed there in 1425 in memory of St Bernardino of Siena who preached in the square.

To the left of the Palazzo Pubblico rises the great Torre del Mangia. Yes, that is correct. It is an enormous elegantly designed tower dedicated to eating! Ironically enough, the name came form the towns first bellringer, Giobanni di Duccio. He was given the nickname Mangiaguadagni because of his gluttonous eating habits and how he was perceived to “eat away” at the townspeople money given to the government.

The towers foundation stone was laid in 1325 but the actual construction took place from 1338 to 1348. Entirely in brick, the tower is surmounted by a stone bell chamber designed by Lippo Memmi. The tower is 289 feet tall and takes 400 steps to climb this great masterpiece. As much as you would want an elevator to climb it, the view from the top is astounding and its height rivals that of the Siena duomo. This was made to show that the government was just as important as religion in the town. Believe me, the view shows it. Looking over the and the surrounding countryside is definitely worth the workout.

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