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Siena

Europe

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Italy

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Siena

Siena is a picturesque city in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. One of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations, Siena is a city full of history and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The city beckons the world with its enchanting blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The places are adorned with intricate details that tell tales of centuries past. You can find various interesting things in this beautiful city, such as the Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square that hosts the famous Siena Palio horse race. Surrounded by elegant buildings and the imposing Palazzo Pubblico palace, the square is a hub of activity, inviting locals and tourists to soak in its vibrant atmosphere.

Not only that, Siena's narrow, winding streets lead to hidden gems, artisanal shops, and quaint cafes, allowing visitors to discover the city's authentic essence.

Beyond its architectural and cultural wonders, Siena serves as a gateway to the idyllic Tuscan countryside. Rolling hills adorned with vineyards and olive groves surround the city, offering a scenic backdrop for exploration. Siena, with its rich history, artistic treasures, and bucolic landscapes, invites travelers to step back in time and savor the timeless beauty of Tuscany.

Travel Tips for Siena

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Siena

A guide to Siena's local transportation

Taxi
Bicycles
Vehicle Rental
Walking
Bus

Taxis are an option that offers convenience for getting around Siena. You can find taxi stands in various places in Siena, including Piazza Matteotti, Piazza Amendola, and Piazza Indipendenza. For bookings, it is highly recommended to contact the taxi pool operator.


Practical Tips for Siena

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Where is Siena?

Siena is a city in Tuscany that is located in the middle of a rolling, hilly landscape. This city is bordered by the Arbia River valley in the south, the Merse Valley in the south-west, the Elsa Valley in the north, the Chianti Hills in the north-east, Manatagnola Senese in the west, and Crete Senesi in the south-east. The distance from Rome to Siena is approximately more than 200 kilometers.

What is Siena Italy best known for?

Siena is a famous place as the home of many cathedrals with their magnificent and detailed architectural style and well-preserved historical buildings that make the city recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from that, this place is famous for its horse race (Palio), which is held every two years. This city also serves as one of the homes of the best wine producers in Italy.

What are the best places to visit in Siena?

Sienna has a multitude of interesting tourist attractions to visit. Piazza del Campo is one place that should not be missed. This place has been a square since the 13th century and is famous for its annual Palio horse race event.

The Duomo in Siena, a magnificent cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, is also a must-visit., Showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Donatello, this cathedral draws art enthusiasts and history buffs worldwide.

Apart from that, there is the Pubblico Palace, one of Siena's most important buildings. Here, you can see spectacular works of art. There is also the Torre del Mangia, which has more than 400 steps. You can climb the tower and see the stunning landscape of the entire city.

Other places you can visit are Santa Maria della Scala, Siena's springs and fountains, Siena city walls, Palazzo Salimbeni, and Palazzo Buonsignori.

What to do in Siena?

You can learn about wine in Siena. This city is in the heart of Tuscany, one of Italy's best wine-producing regions. You can explore wineries, vineyards, and taste wine from local wine producers while enjoying views of the Tuscan hills.

If you visit Siena in early July or mid-August, you can watch the traditional Siena horse race, the Palio di Siena. You can see this in Piazza del Campo, Siena's main square. This horse race is held every year on July 2 and August 16 in honor of the Assumption of Mary.

What to eat in Siena?

In Siena, there are various typical foods that you can try. For an appetizer, you can try black crostini, a typical Tuscan bread covered with pate made from chicken livers and spleen.

Next is Pici, which is a thick, handmade pasta. There are lots of pici variations you can try, such as pici pasta with garlic, pici pasta with cacio cheese and pepper, or pici topped with wild boar ragout.

Apart from that, you can taste gnudi combined with parmesan, ricotta cheese, spinach, and other spices. There is also a peasant dish with peeled tomatoes and stale bread called pappa al pomodoro. Another option that you can try is Sienese ribollita which is a bread-based stew with various ingredients. Don't miss the processed Cinta Senese tagliata and beef tagliata.

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