The Veil of the Madonna

The Sienese only won one major battle against the Florentines - it was the Battle of Montaperti in 1260. At football matches today between AC Siena and ACF Fiorentina, the Sienese supporters shout "Remember Montaperti" at the Florentines - they have very long memories in those parts!

On the eve of the battle, the Sienese dedicated their city to the Virgin. According to the Sienese version of events, on the morning of the battle a thick mist descended on the hills north of Siena. The Sienese were on familiar ground and could find their way around, but the Florentines were lost in a thick fog, giving the Sienese the advantage. The Sienese said afterwards that the Virgin had protected them with Her veil because they had dedicated themselves to Her.

This account is not corroborated in Dante's Inferno. Dante was a Florentine and he said that the Sienese won through treachery.