WHAT TO DO IN SIENA: A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE CITY
When I arrived in Siena for the first time I had the feeling that I made a journey back in time.
Siena is so beautiful that looks like a movie set, but what to do in Siena and enjoy the city to the fullest?
Find it out in this brief guide to Siena!
What to do in Siena
VISITING SIENA
Siena is the city of the Palio, a place rich in artistic treasures, and it’s no coincidence that its historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The city is located in the heart of Tuscany and is surrounded by wonderful hills.
Visiting it means making a dive into the past because Siena is one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities and the place to visit to discover art in Tuscany.
WHAT TO DO IN SIENA
Siena has a unique medieval charm. Here is what to do in Siena (even though you have only one day at your disposal!)
Piazza del Campo – it’s the square located in the centre of the city, with its unique round shape. It’s the square where the Palio di Siena, the famous horse race, takes place twice a year (in summer). From here you can reach all tourist attractions you’ll find below in few minutes.
Palazzo Pubblico – this historic building, which was home to the Republic of Siena’s government for more than 800 years, overlooks Piazza del Campo. Inside you can admire the series of three fresco panels painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, The Allegory of Good and Bad Government.
In addition, if you don’t suffer from vertigo, you can climb the Torre del Mangia, from which you can enjoy the most wonderful view of the city of Siena.
Duomo (Siena Cathedral)- the façade of the Cathedral is exceptionally rich in details but it’s its interior that will astonish you. It’s no coincidence that Siena Cathedral is one of the most appreciated places in the world.
The columns decorated with black-and-white marbles in alternating stripes give this cathedral a unique atmosphere. You must see it!
Palazzo Salimbeni – banks have always been important in Siena and Palazzo Salimbeni, built in 1472, is home to the world’s oldest bank still in business.
WHAT TO DO IN SIENA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Siena is amazing and should be visited slowly. I believe that a weekend is enough to visit it, but you should explore its surroundings, too.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a day trip to the hills of the Chianti and Val d’Orcia regions.
But you can make a tour that combines the visit to Siena with other cities of Tuscany. Have a look at tours and experiences in Siena and its surroundings.
You may visit a winery or admire Tuscan landscapes around Siena in an unusual way, maybe by bike.