Siena

Siena captivates visitors with its medieval cityscape and rich cultural heritage. This Tuscan city is home to the Piazza del Campo, where the exciting Palio horse race takes place twice each summer. You can explore the black-and-white marble Siena Cathedral, wander through winding cobblestone streets lined with Gothic palaces, and visit art museums showcasing works by Sienese masters. Siena offers opportunities to taste traditional Tuscan dishes and experience the passionate neighborhood rivalries that divide the city into colorful contrade districts.

Exploring Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo forms the heart of Siena. This unique shell-shaped square slopes gently downward, divided into nine sections representing the Council of Nine that ruled the city in the Middle Ages. The red brick pavement contrasts with the surrounding medieval buildings. At the piazza's edge, you'll see the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's town hall since the 13th century. You can climb the 400 steps of the adjoining Torre del Mangia for panoramic views over Siena's terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan hills.

Siena Cathedral

A short walk from Piazza del Campo brings you to Siena's cathedral. The exterior catches the eye with its ornate Gothic facade of white, green and red marble. Inside, you'll find masterpieces by Renaissance artists like Donatello, Bernini and the young Michelangelo. The intricately inlaid marble floor panels depict biblical scenes. For expansive views of the city, climb to the unfinished facade of the "New Cathedral" - an ambitious 14th century expansion project that was never completed.

Experience the Contrade and Palio

Siena is divided into 17 contrade (districts), each with its own emblem, colors, and fierce loyalty among residents. This rivalry culminates in the Palio, a bareback horse race held twice each summer in Piazza del Campo. Even if you don't attend the actual race, you can visit the contrade museums to learn about their histories and see colorful banners and costumes. As you walk Siena's medieval streets, look for symbols of the different contrade displayed on buildings and fountains.

Savor Tuscan Flavors

Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy Siena's culinary delights. Try the city's signature pasta, pici - thick, hand-rolled spaghetti often served with rich meat sauces. Sample local pecorino cheese, made from sheep's milk in the surrounding countryside. For dessert, pick up some ricciarelli almond cookies or panforte fruit cake from one of Siena's historic bakeries. Pair your meal with a glass of Chianti Classico wine produced in nearby vineyards.

Renaissance Art Treasures

The Pinacoteca Nazionale houses a large collection of Sienese paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries. See works by local masters like Duccio, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo displays sculptures and artworks originally created for the cathedral, including Duccio's magnificent Maestà altarpiece. For more recent art, check out the contemporary exhibitions at the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex.

Day Trip to San Gimignano

From Siena, you can easily take a day trip to explore more of Tuscany. The hilltop town of San Gimignano lies just 45 minutes away by car or bus. This small medieval town is known for its skyline of tall stone towers built by rival noble families in the Middle Ages. You can climb the Torre Grossa for views over the Tuscan countryside, then cool off with gelato from an award-winning gelateria on the main square. On your way back to Siena, stop at a winery to taste Vernaccia white wine produced in the area.