Discover Siena: Art, History and Special City Experiences

Siena between Hills, Piazza and History

Siena combines a distinctive cityscape with an unusually rich cultural history. The city developed across three hills. Three main streets connect them in a Y-shape and meet in a valley at Piazza del Campo. To this day, the historic centre preserves the Gothic appearance it acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries. Those looking for accommodation for a cultural trip will find a place where urban history, art and distinctive traditions come together to create a clear travel profile.

An important landmark is the Palazzo Pubblico, built between 1297 and 1310. The Museo Civico houses an extensive fresco cycle by Ambrogio Lorenzetti from 1338 to 1339. The Allegory of the Government of the “Nine” shows its effects on the city and the countryside. The museum tour also includes a monumental 14th-century loggia with sweeping views over the valley behind the Palazzo Pubblico. The Torre del Mangia is 87 metres high, or 102 metres including the lightning rod.

Museums and Historic Places for Different Interests

Siena is not only suitable for visitors who want to see famous squares and buildings. Santa Maria della Scala was a hospital for pilgrims and is now a museum. It also displays the original statues that Jacopo della Quercia created for the Fonte Gaia. The Museo delle Biccherne contains 106 painted wooden panels. From the 13th to the 17th century, they were used as covers for account registers.

Another distinctive exhibition venue is the Sala Dantesca in the State Archives of Siena. It displays the will of Giovanni Boccaccio, documents relating to episodes or figures from Dante’s Commedia, as well as writings by Santa Caterina and San Bernardino. Nature enthusiasts can also incorporate this into their stay: the collections of the Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Accademia dei Fisiocritici are divided into the main areas of geology, zoology, anatomy and botany, as well as smaller collections. Access to the Museo delle Biccherne exhibition is accompanied by staff throughout the entire visit.

The Palio, Piazza del Campo and Special Dates

The Palio shapes Siena’s public character in an impressive way. At the Palio on 2 July, ten of Siena’s 17 Contrade compete. The race consists of three laps around Piazza del Campo. For the Palio races on 2 July and 16 August, the square is covered every year with a layer of earth made from a mixture of tuff and sand. The Drappellone is an original painting on silk and is presented to the winning Contrada of the race on 2 July and 16 August.

Siena also offers distinctive themes for travel planning outside these dates. The recurring “Mercato nel Campo” takes place on the first weekend of December in Piazza del Campo and presents food and craft products in a tradition reminiscent of medieval markets. When looking for a hotel, you can therefore decide whether your stay should be shaped primarily by museums, historic buildings or a special event date.

Underground Paths and Practical Orientation

The Bottini are part of Siena’s distinctive character. This underground aqueduct network is more than 25 kilometres long and supplies the city’s fountains and water points. Some sections can be explored on foot; access is via guided tours with limited group sizes. For visitors who want to discover historic infrastructure not only above ground, this is a special addition to the museum programme.

The Via Francigena passes through Siena. It is a historic pilgrimage route along which pilgrims from Western Europe travelled to Rome. A reconstructed medieval city garden has also been created in the Orto de’ Pecci. If travelling by train, note that Siena railway station is approximately 2 kilometres from the city centre. For the historic centre, there is a pedestrian and cycling plan related to measures to control car traffic. This information helps you tailor your stay and choice of accommodation to your own daily rhythm, without reducing Siena to a single attraction.

More Places for Your Tuscany Trip

For further travel planning, you can also compare the following places as destinations in their own right: San Casciano Dei Bagni, San Gimignano, San Giovanni D'asso, San Quirico D'orcia, Sarteano, Scrofiano, Sinalunga, Badiaccia A Montemuro, Taverne D'arbia, Scalvaia, Monteriggioni, Poggibonsi, Megognano, Toiano, Campriano, La Fratta, Piazze, Mensano, Fonteregina, Torri, Fonterutoli, Presciano, Badesse, Murlo, Valiano, Colombaio, Bibbiano, Isola D'arbia, Abbadia San Salvatore, Piancastagnaio, Siena, Vagliagli, Monteroni D'arbia, Gaiole In Chianti, Sovicille, Trequanda, Castellina In Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Colle Di Val D'elsa, Rapolano Terme, Radicofani, Radicondoli, Radda / Chianti, Pienza, Montalcino, Monticiano, Chianciano Terme, Chiusdino, Castiglione D'orcia, Cetona, Casole D'elsa, Buonconvento, Torrita Di Siena, Chiusi, Montepulciano, Montegabbro, Gallina, Ponte A Tressa, Anqua and Asciano.