The scenic city of Siena, in the Tuscany region, is lovely for a few nights or even as a day trip from Florence if you are short on time.
When you arrive, you can't miss this ancient destination's distinctive medieval brick buildings filled with culture and history. It is easy to get around this small city, and you could check off the major sites in a day then relax with blissful hours of shopping, drinking, and dining. Many roads are pedestrian-only, so walking is a great way to sightsee and you can forget about long queues or waiting ages for public transportation.
Start your explorations at the Piazza del Campo, the massive square in the middle of the city. Then, see the town hall, museum, and city tower which is visible from many parts of the city. If you are not scared of heights or over 400 steps, the views from the top of the tower are breathtaking.
Duomo Di Siena or Siena Cathedral is built from black and white marble and took hundreds of years to build. The stunning building features colorful mosaics and intricate detailing that are awe-inspiring. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend booking a guided tour around the cathedral that is adorned with works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
The gothic basilica of Cateriniana San Domenico dates back to the 13th century. It is well-preserved and very important to the residents of Siena. The Chapel of Saint Catherine features lovely frescoes and historical art with pieces by Casolani and Vannuccio on display for the public to enjoy.
Siena hosts a historical horse race called the Palio twice during summer that brings spectators from far and wide. Ten competitors ride bareback wearing outfits representing city districts. The festive event, a highlight in the Siena event calendar, goes on for four days and is an exciting show to see if you can time your vacation to coincide. The Siena Jazz Festival is another great event to witness.
Siena has a vibrant food scene, and every meal can be memorable. We recommend dinner at Taverna di San Giuseppe where Matteo and Marco are always cooking up a delicious feast of pasta dishes, truffle-inspired meals, and other local creations. They are very passionate about food, wine, and hospitality. Their motto is to learn from the past, live for the present, dream for the future. We are dreaming of their culinary creations!
More highlights of Siena
Visit a winery and sample some fine Italian vino
Have a leisurely lunch at Montestigliano Olive Estate
See late medieval and Renaissance works at Pinacoteca Nazionale
Admire the old frescoes at the Piccolomini Library inside Duomo Di Siena
Enter the grand city gate of Porta Camollia
Visit an art studio and see a local artist at work
We can't wait to plan your dream vacation to Florence and Siena, so contact us whenever you feel the urge to board a flight for Italy.
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