The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

Siena’s 17 Fantastic Animals have captivated visitors for centuries. These mythical creatures, carved into the city’s architecture, symbolize its rich medieval heritage. From griffins to unicorns, each animal represents an aspect of Siena’s identity – its virtues, alliances, and artistry. Exploring these intriguing sculptures offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past, inviting one to uncover the stories they hold.

Key Points

• The 17 Fantastic Animals are a collection of intricate 13th-century sculptures found throughout Siena, Italy, representing the city’s medieval identity and values.
• The creatures, including a griffin, unicorn, and dragon, serve as symbolic guardians, each embodying distinct virtues and vices of medieval society.
• The animals are integrated into Siena’s grand architectural features, such as the Palazzo Pubblico and Duomo di Siena, showcasing the ingenuity of the city’s artisans.
• The dynamic poses and expressive features of the creatures make them captivating works of art, inviting observation and interpretation by visitors.
• The 17 Fantastic Animals are influenced by ancient Roman and Etruscan mythology, reflecting Siena’s rich medieval history and the alliances between its noble families.

Exploring the 17 Fantastic Animals

The fantastical creatures of Siena, known as the 17 Fantastic Animals, adorn the magnificent medieval city with their whimsical and imaginative designs.

These sculptures, which date back to the 13th century, represent a diverse array of animals, including a griffin, a dragon, and a winged lion.

Each figure is meticulously crafted, with intricate details that captivate visitors.

As you explore the city, you’ll encounter these iconic creatures perched atop buildings, fountains, and other architectural features, adding a touch of magic and wonder to the historic streets of Siena.

The Significance of the 17 Fantastic Animals

Fascinating symbolism underlies the 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage and medieval history. Each of the creatures represents a distinct aspect of Siena’s identity.

The winged griffin, for instance, symbolizes the city’s strength and power, while the unicorn represents purity and virtue. The dragon, a common motif in medieval art, represents the conquering of evil.

These fantastical beasts were strategically placed throughout the city, serving as guardians and reminders of Siena’s values and beliefs.

Collectively, the 17 Fantastic Animals embody the city’s enduring spirit and traditions.

Discovering the History Behind the 17 Fantastic Animals

Although the 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena may appear whimsical at first glance, their origins can be traced back to the city’s rich medieval history and cultural traditions.

The 17 creatures represent:

1. The 12 signs of the zodiac
2. The virtues and vices of medieval society
3. The alliance between the city’s noble families
4. The influence of ancient Roman and Etruscan mythology

These fantastical beasts were carved into the walls and facades of Siena’s historic buildings, serving as a visual representation of the city’s values, beliefs, and social dynamics.

Today, they continue to captivate visitors with their intricate designs and enduring symbolism.

The Architectural Masterpieces Featuring the 17 Fantastic Animals

Siena’s historic architecture serves as the canvas for the city’s 17 Fantastic Animals, showcasing these whimsical creatures in a variety of architectural settings. From carved stone façades to ornate doorways, the animals appear in unexpected places, adding a touch of playfulness to the city’s grand buildings.

Location	Animal	Architectural Feature
Palazzo Pubblico	Griffin	Façade
Duomo di Siena	Unicorn	Main Portal
Loggia della Mercanzia	Lion	Corbels
Fonte Gaia	Dolphin	Fountain
Palazzo Salimbeni	Snake	Doorway

These architectural masterpieces are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Siena’s artisans, seamlessly integrating the 17 Fantastic Animals into the city’s built environment.

Capturing the 17 Fantastic Animals With Your Instant Camera

With the architectural masterpieces showcasing Siena’s 17 Fantastic Animals in full view, it’s time to grab an instant camera and capture these whimsical creatures in all their glory.

The tour includes:

1. Rental of an instant camera to immortalize the animals.
2. 10 or 20 instant films to ensure you have enough shots.
3. A Polaguide in English and Italian to identify each animal.
4. A map to navigate the city and locate the hidden gems.

Explore Siena’s charming streets, spot the captivating animals, and let your creativity shine through these one-of-a-kind instant photos.

Navigating Siena’s Streets to Find the 17 Fantastic Animals

Navigating Siena’s enchanting streets to uncover the 17 Fantastic Animals is a delightful treasure hunt that immerses visitors in the city’s rich history and whimsical charm.

With the provided map and Polaguide, explorers embark on a guided journey, seeking out these fanciful creatures adorning the facades of buildings and hidden in unexpected nooks.

From the winged lion to the dancing bear, each discovery unlocks a piece of Siena’s past, inviting travelers to engage with the city on a deeper level.

The instant camera rental captures these magical moments, preserving memories of the fantastical adventure.

The Symbolism and Meaning of the 17 Fantastic Animals

The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena are more than mere decorations; they’re emblems imbued with symbolic meaning, reflecting the city’s rich history and cultural identity.

These fantastical creatures:

1. Represent the tenacity and resilience of the Sienese people.
2. Embody the fierce independence and civic pride of the medieval city-state.
3. Demonstrate the interplay between the natural and supernatural worlds.
4. Serve as guardians, protecting the city and its inhabitants from harm.

The animals’ vivid depictions on the city’s buildings, fountains, and streets serve as a visual testament to Siena’s enduring spirit and identity.

Appreciating the Artistry of the 17 Fantastic Animals

Siena’s 17 Fantastic Animals are more than mere architectural embellishments; they’re exquisite works of art that captivate visitors with their intricate details and enchanting depictions. From the playful griffin to the majestic lion, each creature showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the medieval stonemasons who created them. Their dynamic poses and expressive features bring the city’s rich history to life, inviting onlookers to observe, interpret, and appreciate the artistry behind these remarkable sculptures.

Animal	Pose	Symbolism
Griffin	Leaping	Strength, Courage
Lion	Regal	Power, Nobility
Dragon	Coiled	Wisdom, Guardianship
Unicorn	Rearing	Purity, Virtue

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the knowledge provided. The overview indicates the tour includes various inclusions and provides meeting and accessibility details, but does not specify the length of the tour experience.

Can I Bring My Own Camera?

No, you can’t bring your own camera. The tour includes an instant camera rental that you must return at the end of the experience. This is part of the tour’s inclusions.

Is There a Minimum Group Size?

There’s no minimum group size for this tour. The package is priced per group of up to 5 people, so solo travelers or small groups can enjoy the experience. The tour doesn’t require a minimum number of participants.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point?

To get to the meeting point, travelers can take public transportation as it’s located near a transportation hub. The meeting point is at Peace&Road Siena, which is on Via Fusari, 20 in Siena, Italy.

Can I Purchase Additional Instant Films?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional instant films during the tour. The tour includes 10 or 20 instant films, but more can be bought if needed. The rental and purchase of extra films are included in the tour price.

The Sum Up

The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena are a captivating testament to the city’s rich medieval heritage and the remarkable artistry of its artisans. These intricately crafted mythical creatures symbolize Siena’s identity, reflecting its virtues, historical alliances, and the enduring legacy of its medieval past. Exploring these architectural masterpieces offers visitors a unique glimpse into Siena’s fascinating history and the enduring power of Fantastic Animals to captivate the imagination.