Gothic art, thanks to contacts with France and Venice during the 14th century, is one of Siena’s most fascinating features. One of its most interesting examples is the famous cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, as well as the Duomo and some elements of the Palazzo Comunale located in Piazza del Campo. For almost a century, between 1200 and 1300, Siena played a leading role in Europe thanks to its mercantile aristocracy and intense banking activities. After losing its independence in 1559, Siena experienced a period of decline until the mid-19th century, when it began to grow again with the construction of the railway, connecting Siena to Empoli, and with the first university hospital in Italy , founded in 1883. Art is therefore what has influenced Siena the most, making it one of the most visited tourist cities. The Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, the Palazzo Comunale and the Torre del Mangia attract visitors from all over the world. Other attractions of Siena are wine and food, the Cantina Italiana located in the Medici Fortress, its traditional sausages and ancient desserts, such as ricciarelli biscuits, panforte (famous Sienese sweet/giambellotto), copate nougat delights and horse biscuits.