Siena is one of the most interestingly located Italian cities. Spread over three hills, full of steep streets and squares, so you need to be prepared to walk uphill many times. Even Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo, is sloping. Even though this quite small city is one of the most famous Italian cities, a symbol of Tuscany and a pearl of architecture and European history. Siena is known throughout the country as a university city, and there are also places where foreign visitors can stay for a few weeks and study Italian or other subjects.
Siena is a city and comune in Tuscany, Italy, in the province of Siena, some 70 km south of Florence.
Siena is located in central Tuscany, in the middle of a vast hilly landscape, between the valleys of the rivers Arbia in the south, Merse in the southwest and Elsa in the north, between the Chianti hills in the northeast, Montagnola in the west and Crete Senesi in the southeast.
What is Siena famous for?
The city, famous for its wonderful architecture, including the famous Piazza del Campo square and the cathedral with amazing mosaics, invites you to walk along its old streets, enjoy local cuisine and learn about the traditions of individual contradas.
What is worth seeing in Siena?
Piazza del Campo
The amphitheater-shaped Piazza del Campo is the city center and is one of the most characteristic elements of the city. The elegant palazzi around the square were built according to strict rules established by the Council of Nine.
The main public square with stunning architecture. It is one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. Visitors will be able to admire the city’s cathedral and other medieval buildings, as well as marvel at its stunning fountains. Piazza del Campo is surrounded by museums, retail shops and cafes. This ensures constant pedestrian traffic. Tourists come to the square to admire the impressive buildings that surround it. In fact, it is one of the best vantage points in the city to see national monuments.
Palazzo Pubblico
On the above square you will find the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico building – the town hall and the tower added to it – Torre del Mangia. The tower is 102 m high and was added to the town hall building in the 14th century. You can reach its top by very narrow and tight stairs, of which there are about 400. The facility’s administration emphasizes that you must be in good health to get to the top. If you have enough strength, it is worth seeing the city from the top of the tower, because the views of the surrounding area are spectacular.
Fonte Gaia
Fonte Gaia is a monumental fountain located in Piazza del Campo in the center of Siena. First launched in 1342, he brought water to the site after many hydraulic constructions. Underground pipes brought water to the site from 25 kilometers away.
Palazzo del Magnifico
The Renaissance Palace – Palazzo del Magnifico played an important role in the history of Siena. Built in the 15th century as the residence of Pandolfo Petrucci, the ruler of Siena, the palace reflects the power and wealth of its owner. The building’s architecture is an example of the magnificent Italian Renaissance, with elegant facades and refined details that give it a unique character.
Piazza Salimbeni
Palazzo Salimbeni is a historic building that currently houses the headquarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank. It was built in the 14th century, probably over pre-existing structures from the 12th to 13th centuries. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style, with details such as merlons, Lombard architraves beneath them, and pointed triple windows, inspired by the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena.
Duomo di Siena
Siena Cathedral, or Duomo di Siena, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture that towers over the city of Siena, Italy. This stunning church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture and is an integral part of the panorama of this magnificent city. Built between 1215 and 1263, the cathedral impresses with its unique facade, which is decorated with richly carved details, including figures of prophets, philosophers and sibyls, as well as beautiful stained glass windows.
Basilica of San Francesco
The basilica of San Francesco in Siena is one of the most important basilicas in the city. Built between 1326 and 1475 in Neo-Gothic style, it houses priceless works of art inside.
The basilica of San Francesco was built at two different times: between 1228 and 1255 and later between 1326 and 1475. Initially a smaller church was built on the exact spot where the basilica now stands. Later, between 1326 and 1475, what had already been built was annexed and the basilica in its entirety was built.
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini is a historic palace in Siena that houses the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. It was built by the Marescotti family in the 12th century. It was the home of Count Galgano Lucarini Saracini and then became the property of Fabio Chiga Lucarini Saracini. The palace is described as “a Gothic beauty with a curved facade and rear courtyard.”
Fortezza de Medici
Fortezza de Medici in Siena (Medici Fortress, sometimes called Fort Saint Barbara) is a fort built in the city between 1561 and 1563 on the orders of Prince Cosimo, a few years before he became the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. The fortress is located on the northern edge of central Siena in the San Prospero district, and since 1923 it overlooks the Artemio Franchi/Montepaschi Arena.
Banchi Sopra
The most famous street in the city, thanks to the University but also for the exclusive shops and warehouses that line the road and attract many tourists for a relaxing evening of window shopping. Everything is centred around the large Upim shopping centre. Also look out for the wonderful pastries, such as panforte at Nannini. This street is located near Piazza del Campo.
PALIO – Horse Racing
Il Palio” or “Il Palio delle contrade” is one of the most spectacular Italian holidays. Horse races take place twice a year, i.e. on July 2 and August 16, on Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo.
– July 2 at 19:20 Palio di Provenzano, in honor of Our Lady of Provenzano,
– August 16 at 19:00 Palio dell’Assunta, in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
This is the culminating moment of the Festival of Districts – contrade.
The race involves circling the square three times and lasts only 2-3 minutes, but in order to be able to participate in it, the merciless heat, a crowd of 12,000 people and great emotions mean that not everyone is able to endure it. This also applies to jockeys and horses, which is why the result of the Palio in Siena is unpredictable. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, which is why the riders wear 15th-century costumes.
