Siena Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, the city of Siena is a treasure trove of medieval history, art, and cultural heritage. Known for its distinctive architecture and the famous Palio horse race, Siena is a city that captivates visitors with its timeless charm and vibrant atmosphere.
The historic center of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to the city's significance and well-preserved beauty. At the core of Siena's allure is the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's greatest medieval squares, renowned for its unique shell shape and the stunning Palazzo Pubblico with its Torre del Mangia. The square is the epicenter of the city's social life and the venue for the Palio, a biannual horse race steeped in tradition and local pride.
The majestic Siena Cathedral, or Duomo di Siena, is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its intricate facade and the splendid interior, decorated with works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio, leave visitors in awe. The adjacent Piccolomini Library, with its frescoes by Pinturicchio, is an artistic jewel not to be missed.
Siena is also home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, the University of Siena, founded in 1240, which contributes to the city's lively and youthful atmosphere. The academic presence adds a layer of vibrancy, blending the ancient with the progressive.
For those interested in art and history, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena offers a magnificent collection of Sienese paintings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses significant sculptures and artworks originally intended for the cathedral.
The city's culinary offerings are as rich as its cultural ones. Traditional Tuscan cuisine can be savored in Siena's many trattorias and restaurants. Local specialties include pici pasta, wild boar, and the sweet treat panforte, a dense, spiced cake filled with nuts and dried fruits.
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Chianti, Siena is also an excellent base for exploring the Tuscan countryside, with its vineyards, olive groves, and charming hilltop villages. Wine enthusiasts will revel in the opportunity to taste some of the world's finest wines, including the renowned Chianti Classico.
Siena Attractions - What to See and Explore
Siena offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Siena – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Siena, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Abbazia di San Galgano (Chiusdino), Abbey of Sant'Antimo (Montalcino), Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Best Time To Visit Siena
Learn when is the best time to travel to Siena weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience Siena
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Pizza
Pizza, a cherished Italian delicacy, consists of a round, flattened dough base topped with tomatoes, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients. Traditionally, it's baked at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven. The term "pizza" was first documented in Italy in the...
Dish
Pasta
Pasta, a cherished dish originating from Italy, is primarily made from grain flour—usually wheat—combined with water or eggs. It comes in a multitude of shapes and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, or frying.
Food
Ravioli
Ravioli are a delectable type of pasta that feature a savory filling encased in thin pasta dough. Originating from Italian cuisine, these delightful pockets are typically served in broth or with a rich sauce. They come in various shapes such as square, circular, or...
Pasta
Tortellini
Tortellini, the beloved ring-shaped pasta, hails from the region of Emilia in Italy. Often described as "navel-shaped" or resembling a "belly button" its distinctive appearance is reminiscent of a large wonton. Traditionally, tortellini are stuffed with a savory blend...
Pasta
Ricotta
Ricotta is a delightful Italian cheese crafted from the whey of sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk left over from the cheese-making process. To produce ricotta, the remaining proteins in the whey are coagulated by acidifying and heating it.
Cheese
Art works & crafts
ArtFamous works of special cultural and artistic value related to this location.
Maestà
The Maestà, also known as the Maestà of Duccio, is an iconic altarpiece created by the artist Duccio di Buoninsegna in 1308 for the city of Siena. This masterpiece is Duccio's most renowned work and consists of numerous individual paintings.
Painting by Duccio
Nativity of the Virgin
The painting "Nativity of the Virgin" by Pietro Lorenzetti, created between 1335 and 1342, is a captivating masterpiece currently displayed at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Siena, Italy. Originally adorning the altar of St.
Painting by Pietro Lorenzetti
Annunciation
"The Annunciation" painted in 1344 by the Italian medieval artist Ambrogio Lorenzetti, is a captivating masterpiece currently housed in the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena, Italy. Originally, this artwork adorned the Office of the Tax within Siena's communal government...
Painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti
Madonna del Bordone
The Madonna del Bordone is a mesmerizing panel painting by the Italian artist Coppo di Marcovaldo, proudly displayed in the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Siena, Italy. Created in 1261, this work is the only verified piece by Coppo.
Painting by Coppo di Marcovaldo
Mystical marriage of Saint Catherine
"The Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine" is a stunning painting by Michelino da Besozzo, a medieval Italian artist, created around 1420. This masterpiece is proudly displayed in the Pinacoteca Nazionale of Siena, Italy.
Painting by Michelino Molinari da Besozzo
Tuscany