The City of Siena
The beauty of Siena is a long lasting one. Situated in the heart of Tuscany this is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It takes time to absorb the beauty of this little city and we recommend you to visit more than once. The main square is called Piazza del Campo and is good point of reference when visiting. Siena has not changed in appearance over centuries and walking through its streets feels travelling back in time. The historic centre of Siena has been declared by Unesco a World Heritage Site.
Piazza del Campo in Siena
Piazza del Campo in Siena is widely considered as one of the most beautiful squares of the world. It has a characteristic shell-shape which is divided into nine slices. You have a particularly nice view onto the square from the top of the tower del Mangia.
Since the 1300’s this square has been the ceentre of everyday life and also is the main market square. Palio, a horse race held twice yearly. There are plenty souvenir shops so you bound to find something to take home. Another point of interest ist the “fonte Gaia”, one of the beautiful fountains in the city. It was carved by Jacopo della Querciabetween the 1409 and the 1419.
Torre del Mangia in Siena
This tower which is 88 meters tall offers an exceptional view over Siena.: From up here you can see the entire city. The tower was named after Giovanni Duccio, the first guard of the tower. The tower is locally known as the “mangia-guadagni” (Litterally: “Money eater”, which means “to who waste one’s money” (see also: the mall, things to do) . Locally people use this expression to describe people who spent all their money eating and drinking at Siena’s taverns. The legend also tells that during construction of the tower some lucky coins were being hidden and that at the 4 corners of the tower. We are pretty sure that all coins are gone by now. Around the tower you can find are stones on which you can see sentences engraved in both Latin and Hebrew which read words refering to blessings to protect the tower from storms.
How to get there: On foot, about 400 steps.
When to visit: everyday from 10 am to 7 pm (the ticket office closesat 6,15 pm)
Pricing: 7 € or 12 € the ticket which comprehends the visit to the Civic Museum too.
The Cathedral of Siena
The first stop for most Tourists is usually the Cathedral. It’s facade is very impressive and the interior is lavishly decorated with sculptures and religious paintings.
When to visit :10:30 am – 7:30 pm Public holidays 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Pricing: 3€
The Baptistery of Siena
The baptistery is situated just at the back of the Cathedral. It dates back to 1325 and is together with the cathedral one of the most important religious buildings in Siena.
When to visit: 9:30 am – 7 pm
Pricing: 3€
The Public Palace of Siena
The Public Palace of Siena is the seat of the government in Siena. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful civil palaces in Italy. It’s not open for visits to the general public.
The civic museum in Siena
The civic museum in Siena houses a very well known allegory: The allegory of the good and bad government painted on the walls by the artist Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Opening Times: 10 am – 7 pm
Pricing: 7,50 €,
with a reservation 6,50 €
Concessions @ 4,50 €
Eating out in Siena
Food and Siena go hand in hand. The local produce such as oil, wine, meat and groceries are as local as it gets. Over centuries, these ingredients have become part of the authentic tuscan food as we know it and are still widely available.
One of our favourite meat dishes is the Bistecca alla fiorentina (Fiorentina Steak). This large T-Bone steak, grilled over a char coal oven is just amazing. A great tuscan delicacy!
The boar (in particular the “cinta senese”) and the hare are two main ingredients which are being used to add flavour to crostini (slices of grilled bread), pappardelle (home made pasta) and grilled meat dishes. With the crostini (which served as appetizers) you can taste various kind of boar in different meats (mainly pork dishes)
Wine traditionally accompanies every tuscan meal: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano and the Vernaccia di San Gimignano to name a just a few… see more in the wine tasting section.
People who love dessert will not be disappointed: Cantucci (biscuits with toasted almonds), Ricciarelli (soft biscuits with icing sugar), Panforte (cake with fruit nuts and spices) and Cavallucci (biscuit with honey, walnut, candied fruits and spices). These desserts are usually served with a dessert wine called Vin Santo
Buon appetito!
Going out in Siena
Siena doesn’t have a big night life because it’s a small city. At night, most visitors choose to go out for a nice meal at one of the typical tuscan restaurants and afterwards go for a strawl around the city. When the weather is nice we recommend you to sit outside at the Piazza del Campo (main square).
back to things to do
