La Lizza
La Lizza is a square and public park in central Siena, Region of Tuscany, Italy. It is a very popular promenade spot for the Sienese population, as the main green space in the medieval city.
The wide area of La Lizza includes the gardens founded at the end of the 18th century, the section of the square adjacent to Piazza Gramsci, and the Medicean Fortress, located at the border with the San Prospero neighborhood. The gardens are bounded by the avenues of Viale Rinaldo Franci and Viale Cesare Maccari.
History
The area had previously hosted an equestrian school and knightly tournaments since the late 16th century, concurrent with the construction of the nearby Fortezza Medicea.In 1779, based on a project by Antonio Matteucci, the area was transformed into a public park with improvements to the lawn and the widening of the road leading to the fortress, making it a gathering place for the local nobility and bourgeoisie. Between 1869 and 1872, under the design of Pietro Marchetti, the area was further expanded and enhanced: walkways were created, a fountain with a water clock was installed, along with a stage for performances and a café. In 1896, at the center of the park, the equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi was inaugurated, created by Raffaello Romanelli.
Monuments and buildings
;In the gardens- Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, by Raffaello Romanelli
- Monument to the horse, by Sandro Chia
- La Lizza fountain
- Palazzo Zuccantini-Zondadari, former Grand Hotel Royal
- Palazzo Bernardi-Avanzati
- Santo Stefano alla Lizza, at the corner with Via dei Gazzani
- Asilo Monumento, by Vittorio Mariani, on Viale Franci
- Casa del Mutilato, on Viale Maccari
- Siena Courthouse, by Pierluigi Spadolini, on Viale Franci