Located in the heart of the most extensive hill complex in the region, Siena is a city of rose-pink brick and Gothic architecture. The cathedral, with its striking façade covered in saints, prophets and philosophers, was begun in 1186 and took 300 years to complete.  The main square, called Piazza del Campo, is a fan shaped open space that is ringed with cafés.  It is also the site of the city’s most famous event, the Palio, a bareback horse race that takes place twice a year, on 2 July and 16 August.