The Legend of Senio and Ascanio
According to tradition, Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, fled after their father's murder at the hands of their uncle Romulus.
During their escape, they brought with them the symbol of the she-wolf, linked to the history of Rome and the origins of their family. Upon arriving in Tuscany, Senio would have founded a new city called Sena, from which the name Siena would derive.
Even today, this story remains one of the most well-known and beloved tales of the city's tradition.
The She-Wolf Everywhere in the City
The Sienese She-Wolf is one of the main symbols of Siena and appears in numerous places throughout the city.
It can be found in Piazza del Campo, in Piazza del Duomo, in Piazza Tolomei, in Via Garibaldi, and within the city's museums. Its presence accompanies the visitor along the urban path, becoming a common thread that unites history, identity, and memory.
The Difference with the Roman She-Wolf
There is a detail that distinguishes the Sienese She-Wolf from the more famous Roman she-wolf.
In the Roman representation, the she-wolf looks sideways, while in the Sienese tradition, the muzzle is facing forward, a characteristic that makes the city symbol immediately recognizable.
A Bond that Unites Siena and Rome
The legend of the Sienese She-Wolf recalls the deep bond between Siena and Rome through the tale of the city's origins.
This relationship is also found in the history of the Via Francigena, which made Siena a fundamental stop for pilgrims and travelers heading to Rome, and in the history of the Church, which saw important popes born in Siena.
