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There are such a lot of implausible issues to do in Siena, Italy. This small metropolis in Tuscany is a wonderful day journey from Florence, showcasing the fantastic thing about city Italy, with far fewer vacationers than in Florence.
Many vacationers go to Siena on a day journey from close by Florence — and it’s even higher when paired with the Tuscan hilltop city San Gimignano, like on this wonderful tour I took. A day journey to Siena and one other city like San Gimignano may give you a beautiful introduction to the area of Tuscany.
I additionally like the concept of utilizing Siena as a base, because it’s among the best locations for exploring Southern Tuscany, a big and various area in its personal proper. You get all the advantages of staying in a metropolis (like good eating places and plenty of lodge decisions!) with far fewer crowds than you’ll discover in Florence.
I first visited Siena means again in 2013 and cherished it instantly — and I used to be pleased to come back again greater than a decade in a while a enjoyable Siena day journey from Florence to discover the town extra.
Siena is Florence’s rival from the Renaissance period, though Florence has now outgrown its competitor significantly, no less than relating to inhabitants — the inhabitants of Siena is simply 53,000, whereas Florence has over 382,000 residents.
Siena’s historic heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and due to that, the city works meticulously to maintain it fantastically preserved.
One of many issues Siena is most well-known for is the Palio, a twice-annual summertime competition with a horse race across the metropolis’s central sq.. Siena can be recognized for its spectacular medieval structure, together with the enduring Torre del Mangia and the unbelievable Duomo di Siena, which is definitely my favourite church in Italy.
So how must you spend your time on this Italian metropolis? Let’s check out the most effective issues to do in Siena!
This publish was printed in November 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Issues to Do in Siena, Italy
Go to the Piazza del Campo
The Piazza del Campo (generally known as Il Campo) is Siena’s predominant public area, but it surely’s a lot greater than your common city sq.. It’s considered some of the spectacular medieval squares in Europe, because of its iconic structure and expansiveness.
This huge sq. (which is de facto extra of a rounded trapezoid with slanted floor) is the place the well-known Palio horse race takes place. The race dates all the best way again to the fifteenth century in Siena, and it’s been utilizing the present racecourse within the Piazza del Campo since 1659.
The Palio takes place twice a 12 months on July 2 and August 16. As you’ll be able to think about, the buildings round the principle sq. of Piazza del Campo are prime actual property for viewing the race!
Discover contained in the Duomo of Siena
One other one of many predominant sights you’ll be able to’t miss is the Duomo di Siena, or Siena Cathedral. And in the event you’re beginning to have “church fatigue” in Italy, worry not — this one is value it. The Duomo di Siena is my favourite church in Italy! You understand how many church buildings I’ve been to in Italy? LOTS.
That is additionally a church the place you pay to enter, however belief me, it’s properly value it. The black-and-white-striped Duomo di Siena is stuffed with so many layers of coloration and patterns. It’s a feast for the eyes and whereas St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome may need extra paintings, I feel Siena’s is way more fascinating.
Don’t miss the fascinating little alcoves off to the perimeters of the church — I used to be a specific fan of the Piccolomini Library with its lovely paintings.
Additionally, make sure you take within the outstanding exterior with its completely different patterns of black and white stripes, and its sculptures by Giovanni Pisano.
You’ll be able to buy a skip-the-line ticket right here that features entry to the cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt, the terrace, and the museum. That is the ticket I like to recommend getting for the views from the Museo dell’Opera.
Take within the view from the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera)
Admission to the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera) is included within the greater tiers of tickets from the ticket workplace for the Duomo di Siena, and imagine me — it’s ABSOLUTELY value the price of the ticket.
I extremely suggest getting this ticket for 2 causes: exploring the museum, and attending to see the view. The view from the terrace is excellent, providing a panorama of the cathedral in a single path, Piazza del Campo and the town heart in one other, and the rolling inexperienced hills of Tuscany in each path.
This is among the finest methods to get nice images of Siena — my favourite images of Siena are all from right here (and are scattered all through this publish)!
The museum options an fascinating assortment of artistic endeavors and structure that have been as soon as contained in the cathedral. So in the event you loved the artwork and magnificence of the cathedral itself, you’ll additionally like visiting this museum and trying out much more paintings.
Know that this museum will not be accessible; there is no such thing as a elevator.
Insider Ideas: The museum is a bit arduous to identify at first, but it surely’s situated to the appropriate of the cathedral while you’re standing on Piazza del Duomo taking a look at it, however additional again, like at 2:00. There’s a free restroom within the museum basement, whereas it’s essential pay for the restroom within the cathedral itself, even in the event you paid for a ticket.
Go on a strolling tour
A strolling tour is a good way to get an outline of Siena and orient your self to the format of the town. That is an exercise I all the time love to do on my first day arriving someplace new to get myself familiarized with the vacation spot.
A strolling tour was a part of my Siena-San Gimignano-Chianti day journey from Florence, which was fantastic and gave me a very good overview of the town’s historic buildings and why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
For those who’re already in Siena otherwise you solely wish to e book a tour throughout the metropolis, this two-hour Siena strolling tour is a good possibility as a result of it contains the historic heart of the town in addition to skip-the-line tickets to the Duomo di Siena and a guided tour contained in the cathedral.
And as soon as once more…you know the way a lot I really like that cathedral!
Climb the Torre del Mangia
The Torre del Mangia, the Tower of Mangia, is the image of Siena. Situated within the Piazza del Campo, this medieval tower was constructed within the 14th century and was one of many tallest historical towers in Italy.
Climbing the tallest tower on the town is among the prime issues to do in Siena — however talking truthfully, I don’t suppose it’s a should. Much like climbing the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Constructing, you’ll be able to’t really see the enduring constructing you’re in from the highest! That’s why I favor the view from the terrace on prime of the museum of the cathedral as a substitute.
For those who do wish to climb to the highest of the tower, tickets for the Torre del Mangia value 10 EUR ($11 USD) and you may also buy a mix ticket that features entry to the Museo Civico and the Santa Maria della Scala Museum for 13 EUR ($14 USD.).
Do word that this isn’t an accessible exercise — there are greater than 400 steps and no elevator.
Discover the Palazzo Pubblico
One other iconic place to go to in Siena is the Palazzo Pubblico. That is the historic seat of presidency in Siena, basically Siena’s city corridor, and it dates again to the Thirteenth century. You’ll be able to’t miss it, as a result of the Torre del Mangia is connected to it!
For those who purchase a ticket to climb the tower, you may also add on a go to to the Museo Civico, which is housed contained in the Palazzo Pubblico. Or you’ll be able to simply purchase a ticket for the museum by itself for six EUR ($6.40 USD.)
The museum homes a powerful artwork assortment and has beautiful frescoed ceilings. Probably the most well-known work right here is The Allegory of Good and Unhealthy Authorities, a sequence of three frescoes painted by Sienese legend Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
See the Basilica of San Domenico
Though the Duomo di Siena is probably the most spectacular church within the metropolis, the Basilica of San Domenico can be value a go to when you have the time. This placing Cistercian Gothic church dates again to the Thirteenth century.
On the within, it’s very sparse in comparison with the opulence of the Duomo di Siena. That stated, it’s value popping inside and having a look across the Basilica of San Domenico. And in contrast to the Duomo, entry to this church is free to the general public.
Admire the Fonte di Fontebranda
As a medieval walled metropolis, entry to Siena was solely accessible by means of imposing gates. The Fonte di Fontebranda is among the final remaining gates to the town. It’s situated off the By way of Fontebranda on the western facet of the town.
Much more intriguing than the traditional gate is the Thirteenth-century fountain beneath the arches of the gate. The fountain nonetheless works at present, and it’s additionally a shady spot to chill off in the event you’re visiting Siena on a sizzling, sunny day.
Discover the Santa Maria della Scala Museum
The Santa Maria della Scala Museum is a wonderful place to go if you wish to study extra about Siena’s historical past.
This museum is housed in a former hospital that helped pilgrims, in addition to the poor and orphaned youngsters. The hospital was really one of many first in Europe, relationship all the best way again to the late twelfth century.
The piece de resistance on this museum is the ceiling in Pilgrims’ Corridor, which is roofed with a sequence of frescoes in a stunning geometric design.
Now, the museum is dwelling to exhibitions on Siena’s historical past spanning from Etruscan instances to the Renaissance. Tickets are 9 EUR ($9.60 USD). In case you have the time, could possibly be value a cease.
See the Fonte Gaia
Whilst you’re admiring the Piazza del Campo, take a second to pause on the Fonte Gaia. This huge, ornamental fountain is definitely straightforward to overlook in the event you aren’t paying consideration. It’s proper within the Piazza del Campo, but it surely’s not very tall and it’s constructed right into a wall, reasonably than proper within the heart like most Italian fountains, so that you may not discover it at first.
However it’s value trying out the early Renaissance aid sculptures carved into the fountain, together with canine with water spouting out of their mouths!
This fountain was sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia and devoted to the Virgin Mary. It was named Fonte Gaia for the enjoyment that it dropped at the town. (Enjoyable reality: the unique fountain was devoted to Venus and was blamed for the outbreak of the Black Plague. Gotta blame that pagan worship!)
It’s additionally spectacular to suppose that water has been pumped into the fountain through underground pipes for the reason that 14th century, because of the sophistication of medieval engineering.
Wander by means of the historic heart
There’s so much to see and do in Siena, however don’t overlook to take a while to easily wander by means of the historic streets of the town heart! Siena is among the most lovely medieval cities in Italy, and it’s value spending a while simply getting misplaced within the historical streets.
Siena is split into 17 distinct contrade, or neighborhoods. Traditionally, residents of Siena have been fiercely loyal to their neighborhood, and there’s all the time been a fantastic rivalry between the completely different contrade. The truth is, every contrada has its personal consultant competing within the Palio di Siena horse race each summer time!
Every neighborhood is represented by a special image (some examples are Eagle, Unicorn, Caterpillar, and Seashell!). Whereas strolling across the historic heart, you’ll be able to decide which contrada you’re in based mostly on flags and symbols adorning the streets.
Go wine tasting
You’ll be able to’t go to Tuscany with out attempting some native wine! Siena is surrounded by vineyards in one of many prime wine-producing areas in not simply Italy, however the entire world, and a wine tour will get you up shut and private.
This half-day wine tasting journey departing from Siena is the proper approach to take pleasure in some native wine and see some beautiful Tuscan surroundings. You’ll go to the charming hilltop city of Montalcino, the place you’ll go to a number of native wineries and vineyards. Montalcino is the place Brunello di Montalcino comes from — one in all my absolute favourite pink wines.
Along with having fun with tastings at every cease, you’ll additionally study extra about wine manufacturing within the area, getting the possibility to listen to from the homeowners of family-run Tuscan wineries.
Take a cooking class
I really like taking cooking lessons in Italy. They’re a good way to immerse your self in one of many issues Italy is finest at: meals! With a neighborhood cooking class, you’ll be able to discover ways to put together regional delicacies (and, in fact, benefit from the outcomes of your cooking on the finish!)
It is a nice cooking class in Siena. Over the course of a number of hours, you’ll put together a scrumptious multi-course meal with native components, and even study to make pasta from scratch! You’ll benefit from the fruits of your labor, accompanied by some Tuscan wine.
Go on a sizzling air balloon trip
For those who’re in the hunt for an unforgettable expertise in Siena, why not take a sizzling air balloon trip? You’ll be able to glide over Siena and the Tuscan countryside, getting a novel fowl’s eye view of the panorama.
This sizzling air balloon tour contains breakfast earlier than your sizzling air balloon flight and a glass of glowing wine upon touchdown. You’ll soar over the rolling Tuscan hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and historical villages on this one-hour sizzling air balloon trip.
Simply remember the fact that sizzling air balloon rides are extraordinarily weather-sensitive, and sadly extra of my scheduled balloon rides world wide have been cancelled than have gone ahead. Simply maintain your expectations in test — however I hope it occurs for you!
Take a day journey to San Gimignano
San Gimignano is an excellent day journey from Siena. This charming Tuscan hilltop city is placing due to its skyline of stone towers, nearly like a medieval Manhattan. It’s a lot smaller than Siena, and it’s the proper place to spend a day wandering round and absorbing the ambiance.
For those who’re based mostly in Florence, you’ll be able to e book the day journey that I took and cherished that features Siena, San Gimignano, and lunch at a Tuscan winery within the Chianti area. That’s a good way to see all of it!
For those who’re staying in Siena, this tour visits each San Gimignano and Volterra, a beautiful Tuscan city that was featured within the Twilight books and movies.
You may also go to San Gimignano by yourself from Siena by taking the 130 bus, which you’ll be able to catch proper by the practice station — it takes simply over an hour, however make sure you test the schedule earlier than you go as a result of it doesn’t all the time go all the best way to San Gimignano. There isn’t a practice to San Gimignano.
Go truffle looking
Fortunate you — Siena is legendary for its truffles. And you’ll transcend simply tasting them in a dish at one in all Siena’s eating places — you’ll be able to really hunt for truffles your self!
This distinctive truffle looking tour means that you can be part of a neighborhood forager attempting to find mushrooms within the hills round Tuscany.
You’ll depart from Siena and be part of your host and his canine as you scour the woods for truffles, even having the possibility to dig some out your self. You’ll conclude this tour by returning to Siena and sampling some truffle merchandise in a neighborhood connoisseur store.
How A lot Time to Spend in Siena, Italy
So how a lot time must you spend in Siena? Siena is a good place to go to on a day journey from Florence, and one full day ought to provide you with sufficient time to see all the key sights.
Siena is a vacationer hotspot, but it surely’s additionally a working metropolis that feels a lot extra native than Florence. For that motive, I feel it makes a pleasant base.
You’ll be able to simply go to smaller Tuscan cities and villages on day journeys from Siena earlier than returning within the night to take pleasure in dinner at one of many many scrumptious native eating places.
For those who’re basing right here for just a few days, I particularly suggest visiting the close by Val d’Orcia area, which incorporates good cities like Pienza (my favourite city in Tuscany!), Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni.
Tips on how to Get to Siena, Italy
How do you get to Siena? From Florence, you may have a number of choices. The primary is taking the practice to Siena. There are direct trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Siena Centrale that take about 1.5 hours.
Driving is definitely barely sooner, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes. There are additionally buses that run from Florence to Siena. The 131R bus leaves from the Florence bus station (subsequent to the Santa Maria Novella practice station).
For those who simply wish to go to Siena, you’ll be able to take the practice or bus independently. Nevertheless, if you wish to go to different locations in Tuscany on a day journey, it’s finest to e book an organized day journey that features transportation.
This full-day tour from Florence, the one I took, contains visits to Siena, San Gimignano, and lunch at a winery; whereas this Siena tour from Florence additionally features a fast cease in Pisa.
The place To Keep in Siena, Italy
The place must you keep in Siena? There are lodging choices for each price range in Siena, from luxurious five-star inns to easy and conventional mattress & breakfasts.
I like to recommend staying within the historic coronary heart of Siena. It’s probably the most handy location for exploring Siena, and the historic heart has a extremely particular ambiance.
Listed below are the most effective inns in Siena for each value vary:
Finest Time To Go to Siena, Italy
When is the most effective time to go to Siena? It’s all about the most effective time to go to Tuscany! Tuscany is a year-round vacation spot, however you’ll be able to anticipate the excessive season to final from spring by means of fall, with peak season in the summertime months.
Personally, I really like visiting Tuscany within the fall months — October might be my favourite month total for touring in Italy. Fall is a good time to go to Siena for milder climate and considerably fewer crowds (although Florence will nonetheless be fairly busy at the moment).
The Palio di Siena, Siena’s well-known horse race, is held twice every year, on July 2 and August 16. These are absolute peak dates in Siena and you’ll anticipate lodging costs to be sky-high — don’t come to Siena round these dates until you’re right here for the Palio!
Is Siena Value It?
Sure, Siena is totally value it! I’ve loved each of my visits to Siena a lot. I really like the look of the town, and as soon as once more — the Duomo di Siena is my favourite church in Italy. In numerous methods, the previous city of Siena seems like the center of Tuscany.
I hope you may have the most effective time in Siena — and all of Tuscany!
Extra on Florence and Tuscany:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
- Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
- 30+ Epic Issues to Do in Rome, Italy
- Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
- Parma, Italy: A Colourful, Artsy, Scrumptious City
- The place to Keep in Rome: Finest Neighborhoods and Lodging
- Three Days within the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
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- 16 Cool Day Journeys from Venice, Italy
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- Information to Murano Island in Venice
- Information to Burano Island in Venice
Better of Southern Italy:
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Have you ever been to Siena? Share your favourite experiences!