The name Florence, in Italian "Firenze", is coming from the name of Fiorenza used during the period of maximum development of the city around the middle of the second millennium AC, which name, at its time, is coming from the latin word Florentia, the city built by the Romans.
Siena is a world famous town thanks to its cathedral, the tower "del Mangia", and its wonderful square "Piazza del campo", where the renowned Palio takes place every year, renewing the old rivalry among the different Contrade (seventeen historical districts the city is divided into), and testifying how the modern town cannot leave its medieval and renaissance past out of consideration.
The building of the Florence Cathedral, immediately visible in its admirable lines from the hills surrounding the city, was started by Arnolfo di Cambio on September 8th 1296.