Home / Cities / Siena: a medieval jewel town in Tuscany
Siena. Autor y Copyright Marco Ramerini
Siena. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

Siena: a medieval jewel town in Tuscany

Français Deutsch Español Italiano

Siena is one of the best preserved historical cities of Tuscany. Ancient medieval town built on three hills, is still surrounded by walls. The whole city, built around the Piazza del Campo, was conceived as a work of art that blends into the landscape of the Crete Senesi. Siena is a medieval jewel made of bricks and stones which houses dozens of Gothic palaces, churches and squares of enchanting beauty.

The most bitter rival of Florence still retains its medieval appearance. Its historic center focuses on the famous Piazza del Campo, which is the place where it takes place twice a year (2 July and 16 August) the famous Palio of Siena, this square is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, surrounded by beautiful Gothic palaces and dominated by the Public Palace and the Tower of Mangia, the square has the shape of a shell.

A MASTERPIECE OF MEDIEVAL ART

Another magical place in the city is the Piazza del Duomo, fronted by the facade of the Gothic cathedral and the interesting museum-hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. The cathedral, built between 1215 and 1263 thanks to the work of Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, is rich in works of art many of which are kept in the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana. Countless churches, museums and palaces to visit in the town include: the Baptistery, the church of San Domenico, the Pinacoteca Nazionale, the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, the church of San Francesco, the Oratory of San Bernardino, the House of St. Catherine and the Medici Fortress.

Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, Siena. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, Siena. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

The historic center of Siena has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. UNESCO has included the city in the list of world heritage sites, motivating the choice with the following words: “Siena is the representation of a medieval city. Its inhabitants pursued their rivalry with Florence also in the area of urban planning. “

HOW TO GET

Siena, a provincial capital, is located in the heart of Tuscany, the city can be reached from Florence via the motorway from Florence, which begins at the exit Firenze-Impruneta of the Autostrada del Sole (A1).

Coming from Rome, you take the Autostrada del Sole (A1) toward Florence, until you reach the exit Valdichiana, from here you get to Siena through the Highway connection Siena-Bettolle. Coming from Rome you can also follow the Highway Rome-Civitavecchia and then the Aurelia to Grosseto, then continue along the state road Siena-Grosseto.

La facciata del Duomo, Siena. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

The facade of the Cathedral, Siena. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly Market: Wednesdays
La Lizza 8.00am – 1.00pm

Information Offices
Informazioni e servizi Turistici APT 
Piazza del Campo, 56
tel. +39 0577 280551 – fax +39 0577 281041

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • AA. VV. “Toscana” Guide Rosse Touring Club Italiano, 2007
  • Ascheri Mario “Storia di Siena” 2013, Biblioteca dell’Immagine
  • A cura di Pellegrini E. “Fortificare con arte. Mura, porte e fortezze di Siena nella storia” 2012, Betti

ACCOMMODATIONS, FARM HOLIDAYS, B&B AND HOTELS

Booking.com

Français Deutsch Español Italiano

x

Check Also

Poggibonsi: a modern looking town

Français Deutsch Español ItalianoPoggibonsi (29,000 inhabitants) is an important industrial town of Val d’Elsa, situated ...