Siena in Italy is a city of art and certainly a city of good food. It is also a horse racing town and the most impressive medieval city in Europe. It is a unique city with many “faces”. It is located on the Tuscan hills and still retains its glory. It seems that time in Siena stopped in the 13th century. It was then that the city began to enrich itself with an artistic and architectural heritage that established its glory forever.
UNESCO inscribed Siena on the World Heritage List in 1995 because it has preserved important features of its medieval structure. It has been described as “a masterpiece of dedication in which the buildings were designed to suit the design of the urban structure”. So let’s go together to admire its curiosities and savor its traditional gastronomy.
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Piazza del Campo in Siena
The Piazza del Campo in Siena is perhaps the most beautiful square in the world. It has a characteristic 9-corner shell shape, a detail that can only be admired from the top of the Torre del Mangia. On July 2 and August 16, the Palio di Siena takes place, where it is a horse racing competition of medieval origin. Today, Piazza del Campo is the most famous tourist meeting place for all visitors, and it is full of restaurants and souvenir shops. The square is surrounded by the imposing facades of noble palaces. Something very spectacular is to sit on the territory of the square, admiring the piece of sky that opens in the square. -
public palace
It is the town hall of Siena and it is centrally located in Piazza del Campo. It is a palace that was built in 1297 to serve as the seat of government of the Republic of Siena. Inside the palace you will admire the magnificent frescoes, unusual as they depict secular themes instead of religious ones, overwhelming characteristics of Italian art of this period. -
The Torre del Mangia
If you suffer from vertigo, perhaps you shouldn’t climb the 288-foot Torre del Mangia; however, you will miss an excellent view. From Piazza del Campo and the cathedral to the distant hills, the view is truly amazing. The Torre del Mangia is one of the tallest buildings in Italy. It was built between 1325 and 1348. According to legends, the stones at the four corners of Torre del Mangia contain lucky coins with Hebrew and Latin letters engraved on them. -
Santa Maria Della Scala Museum
This place was once a hospital to support the poor, pilgrims and abandoned children. Today, Santa Maria Della Scala, located on the Via Francigena a few steps from Siena Cathedral, represents the most important and imposing museum in the city. The museum is able to satisfy all types of tourists with its wide range of exhibits ranging from archeology to contemporary art. A visit to the museum will be unforgettable. -
The Duomo of Siena
Siena Cathedral is just a masterpiece. You will be impressed by the exterior of the impressive black and white cathedral and the circular stained glass window that dominates the main facade. When you visit its interior, you will be enchanted by the floors, which are full of occult symbols and religious stories. -
National Pinacoteca of Siena
After Siena Cathedral, you can visit the National Gallery of Siena. All the masterpieces of Sienese art, from its origins to the 16th century, are enclosed in the three floors that make up the National Gallery. From Duccio to Simone Martini, from Lorenzo Lotto to Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, the rich collection of works in the Pinacoteca is sure to surprise you. -
Gastronomy and traditional dishes of Siena
Siena is a city of ancient flavors, history and tradition, so this would be an opportunity for you to discover its traditional dishes. Sienese cuisine has its roots in the past and is based on authentic products such as vegetables, legumes and meats which are skilfully transformed into elaborate dishes. There are many typical Sienese dishes to try, such as Sienese cheeses with croutons, Sienese ribolita, gnudi and pici with wild boar stew. Finally, don’t forget to try the wonderful traditional sweets such as biscuits with nuts and candied fruit and Sienese panforte.
