Siena & Tuscany
Siena, Italy, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture, set against a backdrop of well-preserved medieval streets and architecture. Here are some of the best things to see in Siena:
Piazza del Campo - Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena and one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It's famous for its unique shell shape and is the site of the Palio, a historic horse race held twice a year.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) - The Siena Cathedral is a stunning example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Its façade is adorned with intricate sculptures and a unique mix of white and greenish-black marble. Inside, you'll find works by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini, as well as the remarkable Piccolomini Library with frescoes by Pinturicchio.
Torre del Mangia - Climb the 400 steps to the top of this tower in Piazza del Campo for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. The tower, standing at 102 meters, dates back to the 14th century.
Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum - The Palazzo Pubblico, also in Piazza del Campo, is the town hall of Siena. Its museum houses famous frescoes, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti's "The Allegory of Good and Bad Government," which is a masterpiece of early Renaissance art.
Basilica di San Domenico - This large Gothic church is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy's patron saints. Inside, you can see relics of Saint Catherine, including her head and thumb.
Basilica dell'Osservanza - A serene and beautiful church located on the outskirts of Siena, offering a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the countryside.
Via di Città and Via Banchi di Sopra - These are the main shopping streets in Siena, where you can find everything from high-end fashion to local crafts. The streets themselves are lined with beautiful buildings and offer a picturesque walk through the city.
Palio di Siena - If you're visiting Siena in July or August, the Palio di Siena is a must-see event. This historic horse race, held in Piazza del Campo, is a thrilling spectacle steeped in tradition.
Siena also makes an excellent base for a trip to Tuscany. It is centrally located in Tuscany, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the region. It's well-connected to other major Tuscan cities and attractions, including Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, and the Chianti wine region.
Siena has good transportation links, including bus and train services, which makes traveling to and from the city relatively easy. While it doesn't have a major airport, you can easily reach it from Florence or Pisa, both of which have international airports.
Siena is surrounded by some of Tuscany's most beautiful countryside. The rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves are quintessentially Tuscan and offer excellent opportunities for day trips, wine tasting tours, and exploring charming hill towns.
Siena offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. This makes it suitable for various budgets and preferences.
While Florence is a major tourist hub, Siena offers a more relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing the richness of cultural and historical attractions. This makes it a pleasant place to stay and explore at a leisurely pace.
From Siena, you can easily plan day trips to various Tuscan highlights:
San Gimignano: Famous for its medieval towers and beautiful town center.
Chianti Wine Region: Known for its vineyards and wine tours.
Monteriggioni: A well-preserved medieval walled town.
Val d'Orcia: A UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque landscapes and charming towns like Pienza and Montalcino.
Siena is also conveniently located to other popular Italian destinations.
Florence: About 1.5 hours by bus or train.
Pisa: About 2 hours by train.
Lucca: About 2 hours by train.
Arezzo: About 1.5 hours by train.
Montepulciano: About an hour by car.
Overall, Siena provides a perfect mix of convenience, culture, and charm, making it an ideal base for exploring the beautiful region of Tuscany.