Siena Travel Guide
Home of The Palio
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Along with Florence and San Gimignano Siena is one of the must-see towns of Tuscany. Sat on three hills the town is a network of backstreets and alleys, at its heart the famous Piazza del Campo home of the Palio, an amazing race where horses hurtle around a city square. It is also the place to come to have a quieter, more intimate experience of one of the world’s great Renaissance towns. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards Siena provides the perfect base from which to explore Chianti on bike or by foot.
Certainly Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany, surrounded as it is by the olive groves and vineyards of Chianti. Legend says that Siena was founded by Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, one of the twins who were said to have founded Rome – look for the statues the famous twins and the wolf as you wander the city.
Actually, Siena’s history dates, like Florence, from Roman times, being founded around 30AD. History records that the Lombards arrived in the 6th century and then the Franks. The city’s importance was increased as the Via Francigena, the famous road linking France with Rome came here. Siena and Florence have not always been friends, each vying with the other for importance when city-states were the norm; Florence eventually dominated Siena and Siena was incorporated into Florentine territory and administration.
It is a city of alleys and backstreets, blessed by great architecture and art works. With the years 1150-1300 being important. In 1348 a great plague killed much of the population and the city recovered only slowly. Between the 14th and 19th centuries the city bounced back and today is one of the most important towns of the region.
Attractions in Siena
The attraction of Siena lies in its setting - winding alleys and a unique atmosphere. Steep steps and back alleys run together, the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and St Maria della Scala standing at its heart. Come to see the Palio, the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August; Siena also offers many cultural events such as concerts and theatre.
Beyond the city is some of the most magical countryside in the whole of Italy, for this is Chianti, the epitome of Tuscany, with vineyards sat on top of rolling hills, cypress trees punctuating the vista. Head out to explore the ancient towns and back roads of this idyllic landscape.
Activities in Siena
You could spend a week, a fortnight, a month or longer exploring Siena and Chianti without ever getting tired. Allow at least 2 days for the city itself and a few more days discovering the surrounding countryside.
Relaxing
The city market is held every Wednesday morning at La Lizza from 08:30hrs to 13:30hrs and fills the streets around the Fortezza with stalls and street vendors. Stalls sell clothes, shoes, bags, household goods, flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables all at reasonable prices.
Getting Around
This is perfect walking and biking country; get out and about on two feet or wheels to explore the city and then perhaps, with a hired car, set out to explore the countryside in a similar way; if you don’t fancy driving yourself local operators can make all arrangements for you providing bikes and transfers. The same goes for general sightseeing – local operators can provide a guide for the city and beyond, as well as transportation from and back to your accommodation. Alternatively why not move from place to place around Siena, popping back into the city as the mood takes you.
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