Siena | Beautiful Treasure of Tuscany, Italy

Siena, Tuscany | Italy

Siena is a gem in the heart of Tuscany, where history, culture, and beauty come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Walking through the medieval streets feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its enchanting mix of Gothic architecture, narrow alleys, and stunning squares. Whether you’re drawn by the breathtaking cathedral, delicious local cuisine, or the lively atmosphere, Siena has something magical for every traveler. If you are unsure where it is, here is a link you can view.

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Piazza Il Campo – The Square

At the center lies the magnificent Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, where the world-famous Palio horse race takes place. It’s a fan-shaped square or piazza that is easily recognizable. The Torre del Magnia, or tower, dates back to the 14^th century and has fantastic views from the top with its distinctive white crown. The climb to the top is a little over 500 steps and well worth your effort. This historic piazza, one of Italy’s most visited attractions, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along the outside border of the piazza are great restaurants. This was our location of choice for lunch, dinner, or just a spritz cocktail in the mid-afternoon.

 

 

 The Palio

Held on July 2nd and August 16th is the famous Palio horse race. You might recognize this piazza from the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. The 17 historic “contrade” (districts or neighborhoods) participate in this race. Each contrade has its own distinctive flag, color, and design. Most of all, attending this race remains on our ‘bucket list’ of things to do. Check out this link to find out more about The Siena Palio.

The Cathedral (Duomo)

Built during the 12th century, the cathedral is a true masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

The Cathedral of Siena, or Duomo di Siena, is a dazzling masterpiece of Gothic architecture that will take your breath away. With its striking black-and-white striped façade, it’s impossible to miss. I even prefer visiting the inside of this church over the Duomo in Florence. The Cathedral in Florence is incredible outside- but a little less intriguing than Siena’s. This is just my opinion.

Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of art, including works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. The intricately designed marble floors tell biblical stories, only fully revealed during special times of the year. Don’t miss the Piccolomini Library with its vibrant frescoes, a true gem. This cathedral isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a journey through history and art!

The huge expanse of floors contains more than 50 individual works completed between the 14th and 15th centuries.

 

 

The Facciatone

The Facciatone (pictured below) remains an unfinished facade of the cathedral. If completed, the addition would have nearly doubled the area of the cathedral. You can go inside and climb up this narrow walkway for amazing views of the city.

 

Old Bank

The Palazzo Salimbeni, located in the piazza of the same name, is the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, one of the oldest banks in continuous existence in Europe.

In Conclusion

The charm of Siena doesn’t stop with its history; it’s also alive with vibrant energy and tradition. As you explore, you’ll be captivated by the sienna-colored brick buildings, the scent of freshly made ricciarelli (almond cookies) permeating from bakeries, and the sounds of local life. Lose yourself in the city’s unique Contrade neighborhoods, each with its own rich history and character. With art, food, and culture at every turn, Siena offers an authentic taste of Tuscany that will leave you enchanted. Once you visit, you know it’s a city you will return to over and over again.

_{Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in January 2018 and updated in October 2024 for accuracy and additional information.}