Siena: Gothic Centre, Palio and Special Museums

The city developed on three hills. Three main roads connect these elevations in a Y shape and meet in a valley at Piazza del Campo. This layout shapes orientation in Siena and makes clear why squares, streets and viewpoints here are closely connected with the city's history. For the historic centre, there is a pedestrian and cycling plan associated with measures to control car traffic.

Palazzo Pubblico, museums and tours

A central point of interest is the Palazzo Pubblico, built between 1297 and 1310. The Museo Civico houses an extensive fresco cycle by Ambrogio Lorenzetti dating from 1338 to 1339. The Allegory of the Government of the “Nine” and its effects on the city and countryside provide a particularly concrete approach to Siena's political and social history. The museum tour also includes a monumental 14th-century loggia with wide views over the valley behind the Palazzo Pubblico.

The Torre del Mangia is also part of the cityscape. The tower is 87 metres high, or 102 metres including the lightning rod. At Santa Maria della Scala, a former hospital for pilgrims and today's museum, you can see the original statues created by Jacopo della Quercia for the Fonte Gaia. The Museo delle Biccherne displays 106 painted wooden panels that were used as covers for account registers from the 13th to the 17th century. Access to this exhibition is accompanied by staff throughout the visit.

Another historical perspective is offered by the Sala Dantesca in the State Archives of Siena. There, the will of Giovanni Boccaccio, documents relating to episodes or figures from Dante's Commedia and writings by Santa Caterina and San Bernardino are displayed. Those interested in nature and science will find geological, zoological, anatomical and botanical main sections, as well as smaller collections, at the Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Accademia dei Fisiocritici.

Palio, Bottini and special Siena experiences

The Palio is closely associated with Piazza del Campo and the city's Contrade. In the race on 2 July, ten of the 17 Contrade compete; the race consists of three laps around Piazza del Campo. For the races on 2 July and 16 August, the square is covered each year with a layer of earth made from a mixture of tuff and sand. The Drappellone, an original painting on silk, is presented to the winning Contrada of the race on 2 July and 16 August. These dates are particularly relevant when planning a trip if you want to experience Siena because of its event culture.

The Bottini run beneath the city: an underground aqueduct network more than 25 kilometres long that supplies Siena's fountains and water points. Some sections can be explored on foot. Access is provided through guided tours with limited group sizes. The Porta del Cielo also offers a special perspective: the tour leads over the roofs of the cathedral and provides panoramic views inside and outside the cathedral.

The Orto de’ Pecci, with its reconstructed medieval urban garden, provides a quieter addition. The Via Francigena passes through Siena and is a historic pilgrimage route along which pilgrims from Western Europe travelled to Rome. Siena railway station is approximately 2 kilometres from the city centre. This approximate distance may play a role in choosing your accommodation and planning your arrival, without implying a specific location for any individual accommodation.

Market tradition and other destinations

The recurring “Mercato nel Campo” takes place on the first weekend of December in Piazza del Campo. Products from the food and craft sectors are presented there in a tradition reminiscent of medieval markets. For your travel planning, Siena can therefore combine different focuses: art and architecture, urban history, special underground tours, pilgrimage history or seasonal events.

If, after exploring Siena, you would like to consider other places for your travel planning, here are the direct destinations: Montepulciano, Chiusi, Torrita Di Siena, Asciano, Buonconvento, Casole D'elsa, Castiglione D'orcia, Cetona, Chianciano Terme, Chiusdino, Montalcino, Monticiano, Ponte A Tressa, Pienza, Radda / Chianti, Radicofani, Radicondoli, Rapolano Terme, San Casciano Dei Bagni, San Gimignano, San Giovanni D'asso, San Quirico D'orcia, Sarteano, Scrofiano, Sinalunga, Sovicille, Trequanda, Castellina In Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Colle Di Val D'elsa, Gaiole In Chianti, Monteriggioni, Poggibonsi, Vagliagli, Monteroni D'arbia, Siena, Murlo, Valiano, Abbadia San Salvatore, Piancastagnaio, Isola D'arbia, Anqua, Bibbiano, Colombaio, Montegabbro, Gallina, Piazze, Mensano, Fonteregina, Torri, Fonterutoli, Presciano, Badesse, Campriano, La Fratta, Megognano, Toiano, Scalvaia, Badiaccia A Montemuro, Taverne D'arbia.

For the overarching travel overview: Tuscany.