Things to Do and See in Siena

Siena, the capital of the province of the same name, is a city of art with picturesque alleys, neighborhoods, and towers, as well as artisan shops and palaces. The city is home to the famous Palio, a historic horse race between the city’s districts that takes place every July in Piazza del Campo, one of the largest medieval squares, shaped like a shell. Surrounding the square are the Palazzo Pubblico, a true gem of Gothic art and home to the Civic Museum; the Chapel of Piazza, topped by the Torre del Mangia; and the Fonte Gaia by Jacopo della Quercia, the city’s most important public fountain, inaugurated in 1346. Other sites of tourist interest include the Duomo, one of the finest examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, rich in sculptures, paintings, and architectural details. Along the Via Francigena, there are countless medieval landmarks to admire, starting with picturesque villages such as San Quirico d’Orcia and San Gimignano. In the Val di Merse lie secluded yet deeply charming sites such as the ruins of the Abbey of San Galgano; in the Val d’Orcia, magnificent towns include San Quirico, Montalcino (famous for its highly prized “Brunello di Montalcino” wine), Castiglione, and Pienza—another UNESCO site renowned for its wealth of monuments. Finally, the Val di Chiana is also home to other delightful towns such as Montepulciano, with its winding streets and a distinctly medieval atmosphere; and Chianciano Terme, known for its healing waters, famous since Etruscan times.