Location: Siena
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What to do and see in Siena, Tuscany: The Best Things to do
This Tuscan hill town will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Siena's grand cathedral, built in the 1200s, has treasured artworks and marvelous marble floors. The Piazza del Campo, the main town square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also home to the Palio, perhaps the most infamous horserace in the world. No goofy hats and mint juleps here—this is a medieval tradition involving bareback riders racing on cobblestones (so as you might imagine, it's quite dangerous). Siena is an easy daytrip by train from Florence, just 43 miles away.
Restaurants in Siena
1. Piazza del Campo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14,045 reviews
Siena's main square is the site of the famous Palio horse races that take place in July and August.
Reviewed By Y7972VAmichaelh
The vast bustling Piazza del Campo in Siena is famous for the Palio horse races which attract thousands of visitors each year and must be a truly awesome spectacle. This is a most interesting city to explore for the spiders-web of streets that circumnavigate the Piazza lead to quite unexpected places, shops, churches and beautiful vistas. A photographers dream where sunlight and shadow enhances the beauty of the architecture at all times throughout the day. Siena is a must, and don’t cut your visit short for there’s much to see and do.
2. Duomo di Siena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11,597 reviews
The magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena, its Duomo, houses a series of some of the most important monuments of the European artistic panorama. With its more than one million visitors every year, the Cathedral without a doubt represents the fulcrum of the entire complex, while other significant elements include the Crypt, the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera, all part of the impressive mass formed by the "Duomo Vecchio" (Old Cathedral), and the "Duomo Nuovo" (New Cathedral). Visitors will travel along a memorable itinerary to the discovery of self and the truth of faith through culture and art, the result of more than a millennium of Western history.
Reviewed By Iowares - Des Moines, United States
We walked over to the ticket office to get the tickets for the Duomo, museum, Baptistry and Crypt, and we were blown away with our tour guides! We have seen all the major churches and Cathedrals in Italy, and many of the lesser-knowns, too, and nothing comes anywhere close to this one! Each has it's own unique style, but this one was the most memorable for me! The interior tour was brilliantly executed and our tour guides made us feel like private guests getting a unique inside tour! I could go back every day and see something new! They cover different parts of the floor at different times, so one would need to go at different times to see it all.
3. Biblioteca Piccolomini
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,063 reviews
Reviewed By westy54 - Sydney, Australia
This large single, rather narrow, room with a very high ceiling, used to be part of the priest's house attached to the side of the Duomo. Entry is gained via a side doorway from within the Cathedral. All of the combined tickets into the Duomo include entry into this Library. The Library was built in 1492 by authority of the then Bishop of Siena, Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini (who was to be the future Pope Pius III), to house the books and manuscripts of his uncle, Pope Pius II, and to honour his lifetime achievements. The single room has display cases that house beautifully hand painted and hand written hymn books around the lower part of the walls of the room. Above the display cases the walls are totally covered with richly coloured frescoes of 10 scenes representing various important events in the life of Pope Pius II. The vaulted ceiling is similarly covered in a series of brightly coloured smaller paintings that are geometrically spaced. The frescoes are the work of Pinturicchio, who was born in Perugia, and his workshop and were completed in the first decade of the 16th century. It is believed that a young Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino worked in this workshop for a period at this time. The only statue in the room is a copy of the statue of the The Three Graces, which is based on an original Greek statue. Don't miss seeing this room if visiting the Duomo.
4. Centro Storico di Siena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,424 reviews
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
A fantastic city that left us speechless. The historic center of the splendid Tuscan city is a treasure trove. Thanks to its urban and architectural characteristics, the historic center of Siena is a testimony of man's creative genius, and concretely expresses the artistic and aesthetic human capacity. Furthermore, the original example of figurative civilization, in architecture, painting, sculpture and urban planning, has determined an important cultural influence not only in the territory of the Republic of Siena, but also in Italy and Europe, in particular between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries . This is why Siena is one of the most excellent examples of an Italian medieval and Renaissance city. And above all, this is why she entered, with good reason, to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is, in fact, the era when numerous artists had the opportunity to express their art here and the city was adorned with wonderful monuments, such as the Duomo, the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. Piazza del Campo is the same where the famous Palio takes place. Full of restaurants and bars, it is famous for its characteristic trapezoidal shape, downhill towards the center, where the Gaia spring is found, a copy of the fifteenth-century work by Jacopo della Quercia. All around the square stand out the monumental buildings including Palazzo Sansedoni and Palazzo Pubblico. The height of the Torre del Mangia, which dates back to the forties of the fourteenth century of 102 meters, is equal to that of the bell tower of the Cathedral to symbolize the balance achieved between divine and earthly power. At the foot of the tower stands the Piazza Chapel, a marble tabernacle with splendid sculptures inserted in the Gothic niches. Even in addition to Piazza del Campo, however, it is a riot of art and architecture with the succession of churches, including San Domenico, San Francesco and Santa Maria dei Servi, and, of course, the spectacular Duomo, one of the greatest examples of Roman style Italian Gothic. Built around the 12th century, it has a Latin cross structure, a dome, a bell tower and its facade is all in white marble with red Siena and green alternations. Its interior houses precious works by Bernini, Donatello, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio.
5. Torre del Mangia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,951 reviews
The tower, more than 290 feet high, was constructed in 1325 by Minuccio and Francesco di Rinaldo, and has the Chapel of the Piazza at its base..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
Torre del Mangia can be seen from almost all parts of the city. The civic symbol of Siena, it stands out in the Piazza del Campo next to the Palazzo Pubblico. Arriving at the main square, Piazza del Campo, we can immediately admire the beautiful tower and the palace next to it. The atmosphere in this beautiful square is beautiful. The reason for this is all the beauty of Torre del Mangia with all its buildings, palaces, fountains, restaurants and bars. At one point, I feel like the time has stopped and I am back in the Middle Ages. The construction of the tower was begun by the brothers Francesco and Muccio di Rinaldo in 1325 and completed around 1348. The tower was built to be exactly the same height as the Siena Cathedral as a sign that the church and the state had equal amounts of power. The tower is in red brick until the crown, while the upper part in travertine is the work of the Sienese sculptor Agostino di Giovanni, following the design by Lippo Memmi. In 1666, after several attempts of fusion, a large bell was put in, and the Sienese called it the “Campanone”, also called “Sunto” because it was dedicated to the Madonna dell'Assunta. The bell plays a notable role in the celebrations of the Palio. It owes its curious name of Torre del Mangia to the fact that the Municipality entrusted, from 1347 to 1360, to bellringer to be Giovanni di Balduccio to ring from the tower, nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” (eat-the-profits), for his spendthrift tendency, idleness or gluttony. It was later replaced by an automaton, which, in memory of his first bellringer, was called Mangia. The remains of this automaton are now kept inside the Cortile del Podestà. At the base of the tower is the Cappella di Piazza (Square Chapel), built in 1352 as a thanks for the end of the terrible plague of 1348.
6. Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
This museum complex, which houses the National Archaeological Museum of Siena, began as a pilgrims' hostel and orphanage, then served as a hospital from the 10th century to modern day.
Reviewed By westy54 - Sydney, Australia
The former hospital and hospice that occupied this site and which has now been transformed into a huge museum complex commenced operating before the 12th century. The Santa Maria della Scala organisation provided a large number of services to the people including taking in abandoned babies and children, serving meals to the poor, treating the sick and caring for pilgrims who often received free food and lodgings. The Via Francigena, the main pilgramage road to Rome, passed through Siena and near the hospital which is located directly opposite the Duomo. The hospital complex was greatly expanded over the course of the many centuries following its establishment and it became part of the University during the 18th century. The hospital though ceased operating in the second half of the 20th century and, following a period of substantial renovation and refurbishment, the hospital opened as a museum in 1995. Those renovations and refurbishments are still ongoing. The complex encompasses three levels, has its own internal covered roadway, its own 13th century church, the magnificently frescoed and ornately decorated marble and gold plated Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata, a separate Archaeological museum with a vast array of Etruscan and Roman urns, pottery, statues etc, a museum dedicated to children (not a must see), cavernous beautifully frescoed Pilgrim halls that used to be used to house the pilgrims and the sick plus much more. Down another flight of stairs and there are several large rooms, including the former granary, that house the original marble statues from the Fonte Gaia by Jacopo della Quercia as well as a treasury that holds precious relics and reliquary. There is also the Oratorio di Santa Caterina della Notte where it is said that Saint Catherine of Siena, who worked in the hospital, passed her nights in prayer. There are beautiful frescoes and paintings in many of the halls and chambers. There was also a visiting temporary art exhibition during our visit that had some lovely paintings. There are a lot of steps but we did notice one lift so I would say that it may be wheelchair friendly. Cost of entry was EUR 9-00 per adult but there are a number of combination tickets for entry to here plus the Duomo or for entry to here plus the Torre del Mangia and the Museo Civico which is the combination that we purchased for EUR 20-00 per person. This complex has something new and interesting at the end of each corridor and tunnel and whilst it is a bit of a labyrinth, it is not that difficult to navigate although I would allow a good two hours to see most of it. Well worth the time.
7. Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 918 reviews
Siena's City Hall, whose construction began in the 13th century, houses the city's Civic Museum, whose collection includes the profound fresco entitled "Allegory of Good and Bad Government."
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Palazzo Pubblico is the main building located in Piazza del Campo (the main square in Siena), located in this charming medieval town, in the Region of Tuscany, in the center of Italy. In fact, this building is the town hall and you can enter in the inner courtyard, which is wonderful. From here you can see the Mangia Tower from below, which is one of the most important turistic places in the city. The best views of the building are from the other side of Piazza del Campo, a place I am sure you will visit firstly, if you go to Siena. Top place! Wonderful complex: main square, town hall and tower. (See also Centro Storico di Siena and Torre de Mangia)
8. Facciatone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The Facciatone of Siena is one of the most beautiful view points in the city. This is the masterpiece of Sienese Gothic architecture. Today is a privileged location from which to admire the beauty of this city, originally meant to represent an expansion of the Cathedral. The history of this place is interesting. History has it that in 1339 it was decided to expand the Duomo of Siena. The project envisaged that the current Cathedral should only represent the transept of the “New Cathedral”. The realization of the work had to materialize through the construction of three new naves, a large semicircular apse, and radial chapels but, due to various difficulties and the tremendous plague of 1348, the works were definitively interrupted in 1357. The elements that are visible today in this attempt to enlarge the Cathedral of Siena are the right nave, which houses a part of the Opera Museum, and the front that, over time, the inhabitants have kindly called “Il Facciatone”. The side of the Facciatone facing the Piazza Jacopo della Quercia was originally intended to be the interior of the facade. It is finished in typical Sienese style with alternating bands of black and white marble while its three arcades give it a graceful lightness that attracts the eye.
9. Palio di Siena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Twice a year, in July and August, the wide Piazza del Campo in the center of Siena is transformed into a horse racetrack. 17 different 'contrade' neighborhoods are represented by decorated silk flags and compete to win the coveted 'Drappellone' prize. There are also historical costumed parades that take place before the race.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Palio di Siena is a medieval horse racing, which is done in Piazza del Campo ( the main square) of Siena, a charming medieval town in Tuscany Region, in the center of Italy. It is celebrated twice a year, and we went to the city on 16th of August (the other one is in February, I think). We came here with my 3 years old daughter in August-2019, so we are not during the horse racing, we only were at morning, but we could see all decoration, horses, people, wonderful event. My daughter enjoyed a lot seeing horses, playing in Piazza del Campo and seeing a lot of people costumed as Middle Ages. After we saw the horse racing in TV: fantastic event! Very recommendable! A top in Europe! (See also Centro Storico di Siena, Piazza del Duomo and Torre del Mangia)
10. Basilica Cateriniana Di S. Domenico
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 750 reviews
St. Catherine passed a large part of her life inside the walls of this stupendous Basilica, which was one of the first to be dedicated to St. Dominic. It was begun by the Dominicans in 1226 on the hill of Camporegio which they had received as a gift from the Malavolti family. Most of the actual rectangular nave and the inside roof with its tranverse beams, all in Gothic Cistercian style, go back to this epoch.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The first thing we see when we come to Siena is this beautiful Basilica. We are amazed by her beauty and grandeur. The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the most important churches in Siena. It contains a multitude of important frescoes and relics. Her history is more than interesting. Much of the mystical life of Saint Catherine took place within the walls of this beautiful Basilica, which was one of the first to be dedicated to St. Dominic.The Dominicans arrived in Siena in 1220, a year before the death of their founder Domenico di Guzmán. And they begin the construction of this Basilica in 1226 on the hill of Camporegio which they received as a gift from the Malavolti family. It was built in stages and completed in 1465, in Gothic style. The Church contains a magnificent Maestà by Guido da Siena (master to Duccio of Boninsegna) dating back to 1221. The old Chapter Room, the old Sacresty, the Refectory and the Dormitory were all built with the original Church and the Cloister was frescoed by Lippo Memmi and Lippo Vanni. In the first half of the fourteenth century the new Church (crypt and transept rest are from the old Church) was built on the steep side of Camporegio hill overlooking the district of Fontebranda where St. Catherine had been born. Catherine of Siena was a mystic, activist, and author who had a great influence on Italian literature and the Catholic Church. When she began going to Church of St. Dominic the new edifice was already almost finished. Catherine of Siena is one of the outstanding figures of medieval Catholicism, by the strong influence she has had in the history of the papacy and her extensive authorship. She was behind the return of the Pope from Avignon to Rome, and then carried out many missions entrusted by the pope, something quite rare for a woman in the Middle Ages. Her Dialogue, hundreds of letters, and dozens of prayers, also give her a prominent place in the history of Italian literature. After the canonization of St. Catherine in 1461 the Basilica accepted the most precious Caterian codes and many relics (contains the head-relic of Saint Catherine). They are located in La cappella di Santa Caterina.
