The Mangia Bell Tower and Palazzo Pubblico on Piazza del Campo
The Pubblico Palace is home to the Civic-Museum
Credit Shutterstock.com/Karl Allen Lugmayer
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)
Credit Shutterstock.com/gph-foto.de
Interior of Piccolomini Library in Siena Cathedral
Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala (medieval hospital of Saint Mary for orphans, pilgrims and the poor)
There are incredible frescoes on the ceiling of its long hall, featuring saints, prophets and Old Testament figures
Credit Shutterstock.com/IchBinJeffee
Pinacoteca Nazionale
Credit Shutterstock.com/Kumpel
Try some panforte, a Sienese specialty
And of course some ricciarelli biscuits
Siena’s famous horse race, Il Palio, is held on July 2nd and August 16th
Credit Shutterstock.com/M. Rohana
Last updated: 27 March, 2024
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According to many of its citizens, Siena is the most perfect medieval city in the world. A glorious ensemble of red brick buildings and exquisite monuments, it’s famous for its fan-shaped Campo and the twice-yearly Il Palio horse race.
Any visit to the city should begin in the sloping Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square, fringed with cafes that are perfect for a doppio espresso and a spot of people-watching. The square is dominated by the Mangia Tower and the Palazzo Pubblico – and climbing the tower is a great way to start your visit, giving wraparound views of the city and surrounding countryside.
The old town is relatively compact and the best way to explore is simply by strolling through the ancient streets and alleyways.
While you’re there
Art lovers should dip into the Civic Museum (Museo Civico) for its dazzling array of paintings by Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and other Sienese masters. There’s another fabulous collection in the National Art Gallery (Pinacoteca).
The ex-hospital of Santa Maria della Scala is another must-see for its brilliant archaeological museum and frescoed Pilgrim’s Hall. The Gothic, zebra-striped Duomo houses a celebrated polychrome floor; usually covered for protection, it’s normally visible in August and September.
Siena is famous for its sweet delicacies; almondy ricciarelli biscuits, aniseed-flavoured cavallucci and the solid, dried fruit-based panforte. One of the best places to sample them is the Antica Drogheria Manganelli in Via di Citta 71-73.
Recommendations
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Civic Museum of Siena
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
A must-see for its collection of paintings by Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and other Sienese masters. One of the highlights is Simone Martini’s Maesta fresco (1315); another is Lorenzetti’s fresco cycle The Allegory of Good and The Effects of Bad Government (1338-40).
Adult price: £8
Good for age: 18+
National Pinacoteca Siena
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
A 15th-century palazzo housing more than 1,500 artworks, one of Italy’s foremost collections includes an array of dazzling Sienese fondi d’oro paintings (with gilded backgrounds). Expect works by Guido da Siena, Lorenzetti, Sodoma and Beccafumi.
Adult price: £7
Good for age: 18+
Santa Maria della Scala
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
This ex-hospital building was founded in the 9th century (making it one of Europe’s oldest), and only closed relatively recently; the author Italo Calvino died here in 1985. It houses an excellent archaeological museum and the wonderful ‘Pilgrim’s Hall’ decorated with 15th-century frescoes depicting the history of the hospital.
Adult price: £8
Good for age: 18+
Siena Cathedral
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
The magnificent Gothic, zebra-striped Duomo houses a celebrated polychrome floor, often covered for protection but normally visible in August and September. Look out for Nicola Pisano’s superb marble pulpit and the young Michelangelo’s Piccolomini altar.
Good for age: 18+
Siena Market
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
Siena’s principal market, held each Wednesday morning, is one of the best in Tuscany. Stalls are set up at La Lizza, filling the streets around the Fortezza. Apart from excellent produce (cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil and wines, fruit and vegetables), you’ll find clothing, shoes, bags and household items.
Good for age: 13+
Osteria Le Logge
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
Located a minute’s walk from Piazza del Campo and occupying a former grocer’s shop with a retro vibe, Le Logge is a classic osteria. They offer a creative take on regional dishes such as tagliatelle with Tuscan ragu, stuffed rabbit with blueberries, black garlic and fermented carrot and braised beef cheek.
Adult price: £30
Good for age: 18+
Duration: -
Pasticceria Nannini
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
A historic cafe and pastry shop that’s been around for almost a century. It’s a great place to sample and buy panforte (the dense, flat cake made with nuts, dried fruit, spices and honey) and light, almond-y Ricciarelli biscuits.
Good for age: 4+
Duration: -
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Siena lies around 70km south of Florence, down the toll-free superstrada. Parking is forbidden in the city centre but there are large car parks around the edge. There are good bus and train links; the train station is 1.5km from the city centre, but there is a frequent bus service. The bus station is closer in Piazza San Domenico.
Wandering on foot is the best way to discover the secrets of the Palio; keep your eyes open for the little ceramic plaques with symbols of the 17 contrade (districts) on street corners and buildings.
The main tourist office is in Piazza del Campo; they have details of tours in and around the city plus maps and information brochures.
When to do it
Unless you specifically want to see the Palio, avoid visiting around the two annual race dates, July 2nd and August 16th, when the worst of the crowds jostling along the streets close to Piazza del Campo.
May to September is always extremely crowded. Winter is a wonderful time to visit, but if that’s not possible try and make an early morning start.
Who to go with: organised tours
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Famous for a wealth of art, history, striking landscapes and outstanding produce, Tuscany really does have the best of all worlds! With only a day to spare, see the best Tuscany has to offer on this full-day guided coach trip from Florence.
There’s more to Tuscany than Florence. Leave the city behind and discover three other enchanting Tuscan destinations on this day trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Take a guided tour of beautiful Siena, famous for its bareback horse race and the Gothic Siena Cathedral, and taste typical Tuscan food and wine during a 3-course lunch in a local winery or restaurant surrounded by picture-postcard Tuscan landscapes, where vineyards, rolling hills and olive groves will be your travel companions. Then, enjoy free time to explore San Gimignano, a picturesque medieval village, and Pisa, home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Discover the timeless allure of Tuscany on an immersive full-day journey! Step into the enchanting past of San Gimignano, often dubbed the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its towering skyline. Traverse its cobblestone streets, steeped in history, and soak in the panoramic views of this captivating Tuscan hill village.
Next, delve into the cultural richness of Siena as your expert guide unveils its treasures during a comprehensive tour of the spellbinding old town. Immerse yourself in the traditions and heritage that make Siena an icon of Italy.
Explore the quaint Monteriggioni Hamlet (*). Then, prepare your senses for a typical Tuscan lunch, while savoring exquisite wines, each sip telling a tale of the region’s rich viticulture, a perfect finale to your day in Tuscany's heart.
Please note that the order of the visits may change
(*) November to March, the Tour does not include the stop at Monteriggioni and the return to Florence is approx 30 minutes earlier
A full day tour, taking in the key beauties of Central Tuscany including a delicious Chianti wine tasting. You'll roll through the sweeping countryside to arrive at the jewel of Siena, with its unique Square and Gothic Town Hall. Then you'll take the road for San Gimignano, the Medieval New York, and Monteriggioni - a hilltop castle with breath taking views. But it's still not over! End your visit with a Chianti winery where you savor the best of Italian wines. This is a perfect day-out to relax and replenish your spirits.
Spend the day discovering the highlights of the Tuscan countryside on this guided tour, together with its amazing art cities and tasting food & wine. Make your way through the rolling hills as you discover the charm of Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena.
Your first stop will be Pisa. See the cathedral, baptistery, and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
From Pisa, drive past hilltop hamlets scattered across some of the most enchanting areas of the countryside. Arrive in San Gimignano where a Tuscan lunch with wine pairing will be served (if option selected).
Continue to the medieval village of San Gimignano, UNESCO World Heritage site nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because of its towers.
End the tour in Siena. Stroll the pedestrian historical center and visit the beautiful cathedral (if option selected). Take a walking tour along the medieval streets and squares, passing the oldest bank in the world, and Piazza del Campo.