Siena - dive into the medieval era!

Want to escape Florence for a day and go on a new adventure? don't wait, Siena is made for you!

Siena is not only Tuscany’s second largest city, but a center when it comes to medieval architecture and Art, perfect for a day trip and even better if you wish to stay longer!

Its historic centre has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. This means that not only you'll find a remarkable topography and medieval architecture but also that, like in Florence, a huge part of the town is a restricted zone for cars. Good news! you'll be able to find some tranquility here.

If you're in Florence and wants to visit Siena, nothing easier : just go to Florence's train station Santa Maria Novella and catch the direct train direction Siena. The journey takes approximately 1 h 32 min.

There's so many things to discover in Siena, and a great many other blogs offering you very detailled guides, so for now, I decided to share a small list of 5 places and activities you should look for in Siena!

Piazza del Campo

The Piazza del Campo is the main square of the city, considered its heart and soul. Recognizable by its peculiar shape, a bit curved, the place hosts two main attractions of Siena : the Palazzo pubblico and the tower (Torre del Mangia) culminating 102m high. Also worthy of interest is the beautiful marble fontain called "fonte Gaia" sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia between 1409 and 1419.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

More often called the Duomo di Siena, the cathedral is one of the most famous in Italy, known for mixing two styles : the gothic style and the romanesque Tuscan style. So many wonders can be found inside, not only the splendid architecture, but the rich sculptures such as the pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano between 1265 and 1268. You can also discover works by Donatello, Michelangelo or Bernini. What's more, pay attention to your feet and the remarkable pavement!

To learn more about the Cathedral, check the official website, here's the link : https://operaduomo.siena.it/en/sites/cathedral/

Palazzo Pubblico

Inside the palazzo pubblico, you'll be able to find the Museo Civico. If you have time, I definitely recommend visiting it. Why? because it contains a rich artistic heritage with artworks from masters of the famous Sienese school such as Duccio di Buoninsegna, Lorenzetti, Martini, Bartolo etc. The artworks were commissioned by eminent politicians and as such, they mix religious and political inspirations. Pay attention to the frescoes of the Allegory of the Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, it's a must-see if you're an History or an Art fan!

Biblioteca Piccolomini

When visiting Siena, don't miss this somptuous libreria, located inside Siena's Duomo. It was built between 1492 and 1502 by cardinal Francesco Piccolomini Todeschini, who became a short time after his excellence Pope Pio III (1503). This library was built in order to preserve the important manuscrit collection of his uncle Pio II. The architecture and paintings adorning the walls are splendid, in a very good state of conservation.

Il Palio

One of the most famous annual sport event in Italy! The palio of Siena is an extraordinary experience : this traditional horse race is a major part of Siena's history and culture. Organized in order to celebrate the Virgin Mary, the race (which lasts approximately 2 minutes.) takes place twice each year, on July 2nd and August 16th. In the race, various medieval districts of the town also called contrade, are fighting against one another. Indeed, they are all represented by a horse and his fantino.

If you wish to learn more about Siena's most famous tradition, I encourage you to watch this Vogue video :