Siena

History

Once one of Europe’s wealthiest cities, Siena is a medieval city rich in art and architecture. Siena’s most famous landmark is the large fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, in the heart of the town, where the famous summer horse race known as Il Palio di Siena takes place. With great architecture, sporting events, and charming city atmosphere full of historical twisting alleyways, Siena is a city to please every traveller. Plan your visit after Rome or Florence where the slower pace and smaller crowds will be a welcomed change.

Sights To See

Piazza del Campo A charming square in the heart of Siena. ‘Il Campo’ is paved with brick and is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and historic sites. Winding alleyways lead down to this piazza, or square, where the famous summer horse races known as Il Palio take place. Once Siena’s main marketplace, Il Campo is site not to be missed

Palazzo Pubblico Siena's Gothic town hall building, and the bell tower, Torre del Mangia, dominate Piazza del Campo. Torre del Mangia, 102 meters tall, is the second highest medieval bell tower in Italy. You can walk up the tower's 505 steps for some great views of Siena. Fonte Gaia is an ornate fountain carved by Jacopo della Quercia in the fifteenth century. The one you see today is a 19th century copy. It sits at the north end of Il Campo.

Piazza del Duomo Another beautiful square and home to [Siena's Duomo. Began in the 13th Century, it is a delightful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The rich marble façade, designed mostly by Giovanni Pisano, dates to the late 14th Century. The ornate interiors includes black and white marble walls as well as the gorgeous flooring which includes the inlaid technique where 56 panels show biblical or historical scenes. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo has some beautiful art works and a panoramic terrace. You can also visit the Baptistery and the Crypt under the Duomo for an interesting archaeological look at the Cathedral's past.

Pinacoteca Nazionale Siena's art museum houses some of Italy's greatest paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries. The museum opens daily at 8:15 but closes at 1:30 on Sundays and Mondays.

The Palio di Siena Held twice every summer, around the 2nd of July and 16th of August, in the Piazza del Campo, this bareback horserace is thrilling! Ten jockeys representing the city’s districts, each wearing its respective colors and symbols, promote a spectacle of speed and skill around the Tuscan city’s main square. Cheer for the riders as well as for the horse, since a horse who loses his rider may still win the race. Book now for a comfortable view spot for this traditional event and let yourself be carried back to the medieval days.

Dining

Siena is an excellent place to explore the subtleties of Tuscan cuisine, as the city frequently holds small festivals called Sagre, which celebrate a particular food or local specialty (such as the Sagra della Bruschetta). Still hungry? Heartier meals can be found at one of Siena’s many fine restaurants. Try one of Tuscany’s regional wines, such as Chianti, which is produced in regions between Florence and Siena. This red wine, based on the Sangiovese gape variety; it goes well with elements of Tuscan cuisine such as roasted meats or strong goat's cheese. A large selection of wines can be found at an enoteca (wine bar).

Our Recommendations

• Il Grattacielo
• Trattoria Fontenuova
• Ristorante Pizzeria due Archi
• Antica Osteria da Divo
• The Tea Room

Shopping

The shopping in Siena and its neighboring towns consists mostly of open-air markets and small boutiques selling local, handmade crafts. Of the markets within city limits, the biggest one occurs on Wednesday mornings in the Fortezza Medici and La Lizza park. There is also a market for antiques in the Piazza del Mercato on the third Sunday of every month. A must see for all gourmets and food lovers alike, Antico Pizzicheria (Via di Città 93-95), a deli that has been selling locally-made cheeses, meats and panini sandwiches for more than a hundred years. To round out your meal with some local vino, stop by the Enoteca Italiana inside the Fortezza Medici. Local artwork can also be a great way to take home your memories of Siena. The Bottega dell’Arta on Via Stalloreggi specializes in handmade copies of 14th- and 15th-century artwork, while the Vetrate Artistiche Toscan on Via della Galluzza offers pieces of stained glass made by modern artisans.

Where to Stay

• Castles
• Private Villas
• Country Farmhouses
• Apartments
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Luxury Hotels

Getting There

By Car Rome (232 Km), Florence (70 Km)

By Bus Rome (2 hr 47 min), Florence (1 hr 15 min) http://www.Trainspa.it

By Train Florence (2 hr 15 min) http://www.Trenitalia.com

By Plane Fly directly into Florence Airport (FLR) and catch a bus or train ride into Sienna, otherwise Pisa’s international airport ‘Galileo Galilei’ (PSA) is around an hour long bus or train ride away.