One of eight gates in Siena's old defensive enclosure. The arch of the gate bears the inscription "Cor Magis Tibi Siena Pandit", meaning "Siena opens its heart to you wider than this gate".
The origins of the first structure are obscure. There was a 9th century church with bishop's palace. In 1058 a synod was held in this church resulting in the election of pope Nicholas II.
Unlike Florence or Pisa, Siena did not build a separate baptistry. The baptistry is located underneath the eastern bays of the choir of the Duomo. It was completed about 1325.
Built in 1338/48, it is located in Piazza del Campo (adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico). When built it was one of the tallest secular towers in mediaeval Italy. At 88 m it is now second only to Cremona
