Siena is one of the most loved and visited Tuscany, a place rich in history and art, but also of strong traditions, linked mainly to the districts and the famous Palio of Siena.
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena can be easily reached from other cities in the region by car, train and bus, depending on the medium that is most comfortable. Keep in mind that the center is closed to traffic and then you still have to move on foot or by public transport. Siena train station is located outside the city, but is connected with the historical center by buses.
A day in Siena is not enough to experience the city in all its aspects, nor for visitarne all the treasures. On a day however, with a little ‘organization, certainly able to see the main attractions of Siena and to appreciate the charm and atmosphere, starting with the desire to return as soon as possible.
If you visit Siena for the first time I will definitely recommend you go straight into the heart of the city, near the beautiful Piazza del Campo, one of the landmarks of the city. You can decide to start your day here at Siena or go to the Cathedral, reserving to return later in the Square.
In the area between Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral you will find essentially the main attractions of the city and here most likely will spend most of the time.
Piazza del Campo is truly unique and unmistakable, thanks to the particular shell shape and the brick color as the brick floor and the covering of the buildings that surround it, placing at the center of the square, it feels almost wrapped in a warm embrace. Piazza del Campo hosts, twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, the famous Palio of Siena, the most anticipated event of the Sienese.
The Cathedral of Siena, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque-Gothic church in Italian. Imposing, almost dazzling to the widespread use of white marble, the Siena Cathedral fascinates even from the outside. Entering will not be disappointed: the cathedral is adorned with works signed by none other than Donatello, Nicola Pisano, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio.
The Piccolomini Library, dedicated to Pope Pius II, is striking for its wealth of frescoes painted by Pinturicchio and his pupils, including Raphael Sanzio in the early 1500s..
The crypt is located under the cathedral. Here they are preserved the extraordinary frescoes of the Sienese school of the XIII century depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament.
The Baptistery of Siena is dedicated to St. John and was built in 1300 when it was decided to expand the Duomo. The Baptistery is accessed from the steps of Piazza San Giovanni and you can not help but notice that the marble facade of the Parish remained unfinished. The interior of the Baptistery is magnificently decorated with frescoes by Sienese artists of the Renaissance. The most valuable masterpiece kept in the Baptistery is however without doubt the beautiful baptismal font that worked some of the greatest sculptors of the Renaissance: Jacopo della Quercia, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Donatello.
The complex of Santa Maria della Scala is first and foremost one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, where the pilgrims were welcomed (we are along the Via Francigena) and helped the poor and abandoned children. It is located right in front of the Duomo, so you’ll have just a short walk to visit
