Study Abroad Programs in Italy

Siena is a town in Tuscany, Italy. It's historical center is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was settled in the time of the Etruscans, sometime between 900 b.c. and 400 b.c. The first tribe to live there were called the Saina. Siena did not prosper under Roman rule for many years, because it was not near any major road. Eventually, some of the nearest roads became hotspots for raids by the Byzantines, and so a road was made through Siena. At this point it became an important trading post. Siena University was founded in 1203, and is famous for it's law and medicine departments. It is still among Italy's most important universities. Siena is also home to a conservatory of music and a jazz school. Over two weeks more than 30 concerts are held in two major town squares.