Introduction

Legends and symbolism often bridge the stories of cities, and nowhere is this truer than between Rome and Siena. The Capitoline Wolf, the iconic statue depicting Romulus and Remus being nursed by a she-wolf, embodies a captivating narrative that unites these two cities through their mythology and symbols.

While Rome is known as the Eternal City, its mythology extends to Siena, creating a fascinating story of twins, wolves, and family drama that continues to inspire travelers and history enthusiasts alike.

A Tale of Two Cities

The story of Siena’s foundation is intertwined with that of Rome in many ways, both in terms of mythology and symbolism. Legend has it that Siena was founded by Aschius and Senius, the twin sons of Remus and nephews of Romulus. These figures, of course, are central to the foundation myths of Rome.

Romulus and Remus, the legendary twin brothers raised by a she-wolf in the wild, are immortalized in the Capitoline Wolf statue, or Lupa Capitolina. This bronze sculpture, housed in the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill, is thought to be Etruscan in origin. The she-wolf in mythology symbolizes survival and protection, making it an enduring emblem of Rome’s foundation.

Many Twins, Many Wolves

After Romulus killed his brother Remus, the twins Aschius and Senius fled Rome and eventually founded Siena, taking with them a statue of the Capitoline Wolf as a family heirloom. This tale intertwines the foundation myths of both Rome and Siena, blending family drama with civic pride.

Although the original statue from Siena’s foundation was lost to time, representations of the Capitoline Wolf abound in the city. The wolf is prominently featured on Siena’s coat of arms and on the beautiful inlaid marble floors of its Duomo.

Capitoline Wolf in Siena: Statues and Sculptures

Piazza Tolomei

Statue of Romulus and Remus with the Wolf in Piazza Tolomei, Siena, Italy
A statue of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf in Piazza Tolomei, Siena, symbolizing the city’s foundation legend.

In Piazza Tolomei, one of Siena’s oldest squares, stands a statue of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf. This sculpture is a striking representation of the city’s legendary origins.

Close-up of Piazza Tolomei Statue

Close-up of the statue of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf in Piazza Tolomei, Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
A detailed view of the Romulus and Remus statue in Piazza Tolomei, Siena, part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

The intricate details of this sculpture highlight the craftsmanship and its significance as a connection between Siena and Rome.

Palazzo Comunale in Piazza del Campo

Roman Wolf statue in the Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Campo, Siena, Tuscany, Italy

A statue of the Capitoline Wolf inside the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, Siena, reinforcing its significance as a symbol of the city’s legendary origins.

Inside the Palazzo Pubblico or city hall, a statue of the Capitoline Wolf reinforces Siena’s ties to Rome and its legendary past. Its placement in the heart of Piazza del Campo reflects its importance to the city’s identity.

Wolves in Siena’s Architecture

Torre del Mangia

Wolf-shaped stone gargoyle on Torre del Mangia Tower, Siena, Tuscany, Italy
A wolf-shaped stone gargoyle on the Torre del Mangia Tower in Siena, showcasing the enduring symbolism of the Capitoline Wolf in the city’s architecture.

The Torre del Mangia, a centerpiece of Piazza del Campo, features a wolf-shaped stone gargoyle. This architectural detail ties the city’s mythology to its most iconic landmarks.

Palazzo Pubblico

Wolf-shaped gargoyle on the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, Tuscany, Italy
A wolf-shaped gargoyle on the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, highlighting the pervasive presence of the Capitoline Wolf in the city’s architecture.

The Palazzo Pubblico, another architectural gem, incorporates wolf-shaped gargoyles, blending Siena’s mythological roots with its Gothic design.

Artistic Wolves: Fonte Gaia Fountain

Fonte Gaia Fountain

Wolf-shaped statue on the Fonte Gaia fountain in Siena, Tuscany, Italy
A wolf-shaped statue on the Fonte Gaia fountain in Siena, showcasing the artistic integration of the Capitoline Wolf in the city’s cultural landmarks.

The Fonte Gaia, located in Piazza del Campo, features a beautifully crafted wolf statue. This artistic representation of the Capitoline Wolf connects Siena’s public art to its legendary origins.

Capitoline Hill and the Capitoline Wolf in Rome

During our visit to Rome, the Capitoline Wolf stood out as a recurring symbol of the city’s foundation myths. On Capitoline Hill, the bronze statue of the she-wolf in the Capitoline Museums evokes the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus. This iconic hill, a central point of Roman history, bridges the mythology of Rome with its enduring architectural and artistic legacy.

The Enduring Symbolism of the Capitoline Wolf

The story of Romulus and Remus is as much about mythological storytelling as it is about creating a unifying identity for ancient Rome. Siena’s adoption of the she-wolf symbol extends this narrative, blending family lore with civic pride.

As we wandered through Siena and reflected on its connection to Rome, the Capitoline Wolf stood out as a powerful emblem of origins, survival, and familial bonds. Whether seen in statues, gargoyles, or fountains, the wolf remains a vital thread in the tapestry of Siena’s cultural and architectural heritage.


FAQs

What is the Capitoline Wolf?

The Capitoline Wolf, or Lupa Capitolina, is a bronze statue depicting the legendary she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. It is a symbol of survival and protection.

Where can you find Capitoline Wolf statues in Siena?

Statues of the Capitoline Wolf can be found in Piazza Tolomei, the Palazzo Comunale in Piazza del Campo, and on architectural features like the Torre del Mangia and Fonte Gaia fountain.