step back in time in Siena
Stepping foot in Siena is like taking a step back in time.
Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the primary commercial and banking city in Italy. By the 14th century, this title was lost to Florence as the Medicis began their campaign for power.
The outbreak of the Black Death that followed didn’t help and sent Siena in a downward spiral with power struggles between nobles and merchants, economic stagnation, and a tyrannical rule during French and Spanish invasions, ending with a surrender to the Spanish in 1555.
Despite all that, Siena maintained its beauty and authenticity, with its the red brick buildings and steep medieval streets remaining unspoilt.
Personally, we think you need more than one day to fully enjoy Siena (we spent three full days there a few months ago), but the highlights can be discovered in a full-day’s sightseeing.
Here are some of the things you shouldn’t miss:
Piazza del Campo (maps) | This piazza is the centre of Siena life with restaurants, shops, and bars lining the shell-shaped square. On any given day you’ll find tourists trying to capture the city’s beauty, and locals going about their business or enjoying some downtime. In the middle of the square sits the Fonte Gaia, designed by Jacopo della Quercia.
Torre del Mangia (maps) | Forming part of the piazza, this tower offers the chance to view Siena from a different vantage point – if you’re prepared to walk the 400 steps to reach it! Your ticket will allow 30 minutes of viewing time, and we recommend getting your ticket as soon as you arrive to ensure you can secure a slot at a good time.
Duomo di Siena (maps) | Whilst Forence’s Duomo is undeniably beautiful, Siena’s provide some stiff competition, with a marble facade designed by Giovanni Pisano, frescoes by Pinturicchio and sculptures from Michelangelo, Donatello and Bernini. Unmissable!
Santa Maria della Scala (maps) | The oldest hospital in Europe now operates as a museum bringing together frescoes, relics and art collections from Tuscany’s past.
We’ll have lots of articles from our time in Siena up on the site soon, so if you’re heading that way, be sure to keep and eye on our Italy Page!
Do it independently
Siena is 51 km south of Florence and very easy to reach with public transport.
There are hourly direct trains to Siena from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station (maps). The journey time is around 1.5 hours, and a single ticket costs €9.80. Please…
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