Set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Siena is a city where history and community are deeply intertwined. Renowned for its medieval architecture, artistic heritage and the world-famous Palio horse race, Siena’s identity is defined by its strong civic traditions and deep sense of belonging. This same spirit now guides its journey towards a sustainable and inclusive future, proving that centuries-old values can drive modern innovation.
At the heart of Siena’s approach lies the unique structure of the contrade – the city’s historic neighbourhoods that form the foundation of social life for generations. These community networks serve as engines of civic engagement, encouraging participation, inclusiveness and intergenerational cooperation. Through this bottom-up model, Siena fosters sustainability from within, leveraging social cohesion as a driving force for transformation.
Initiatives such as the 'URBiNAT Healthy Corridor' make green spaces more accessible and inclusive, engaging both children and older citizens in shaping the city’s future. Siena’s ability to weave heritage with innovation is also reflected in its creative reuse of ancient infrastructure – for instance, employing the medieval Bottini water channels for climate-conscious irrigation. Complementary projects, like the deployment of noise sensors, showcase how tradition and technology can work hand in hand.
Siena’s success is reinforced by strong governance and effective communication. The planned annual 'Contrada Verde Award', inviting neighbourhoods to compete for the most impactful sustainability projects, channels the city’s competitive and communal spirit into environmental action. This unique blend of culture, collaboration and creativity positions Siena as a rising model of sustainable urban development in Europe.
Siena demonstrates how a city can rely on its traditions as a foundation for addressing contemporary challenges. Its long-standing culture of community involvement has become a practical asset in developing a more sustainable urban environment. By building on its distinct local identity, Siena offers a grounded example of how historic cities can reinterpret their heritage to support meaningful and forward-looking change.
Read more
For more details, explore Siena's application and presentation, which provide an in-depth look at their initiatives and accomplishments. Additionally, the jury report and the Technical Assessment Synopsis Report are accessible for further insights.