To understand Siena, start at Piazza del Campo. Here, three main streets meet, connecting the three hills on which the city developed in a Y shape. The historic centre also tells the story of a long evolution: it acquired its Gothic appearance between the 12th and 15th centuries. The city’s layout and architectural history thus offer two different perspectives on the same place.

Cityscape and views

Palazzo Pubblico was built between 1297 and 1310. At Torre del Mangia, two height measurements are given: the tower is 87 metres tall, or 102 metres including the lightning rod. If you are interested in the city’s history as seen through its buildings, the Museo Civico offers more to explore. The museum tour includes a monumental 14th-century loggia with sweeping views of the valley behind Palazzo Pubblico.

The Museo Civico also houses an extensive fresco cycle by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, painted between 1338 and 1339. It depicts the Allegory of the Government of the Nine and its effects on the city and countryside. This shifts the focus beyond individual figures or images to the effects of government on the city and its surroundings.

For a different perspective, visit Porta del Cielo: the tour passes over the cathedral’s roofs and offers panoramic views from inside and outside the cathedral. As access arrangements may change, check the conditions for your visit in advance.

Art, documents and collections

At Santa Maria della Scala, once a hospital for pilgrims and now a museum, you can see the original statues Jacopo della Quercia created for the Fonte Gaia. The Museo delle Biccherne displays 106 painted wooden panels. From the 13th to the 17th century, they served as covers for account registers. Museum staff accompany visitors to this exhibition throughout the visit.

To explore written records, visit the Sala Dantesca in the State Archives of Siena. On display are Giovanni Boccaccio’s will, documents relating to episodes or people from Dante’s Commedia, and writings by Santa Caterina and San Bernardino. The Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Accademia dei Fisiocritici has a different focus: its collections are divided into the main areas of geology, zoology, anatomy and botany, as well as smaller collections. You can thus discover Siena through its artworks, historical documents and natural history collections.

The Palio: dates and tradition

Ten of Siena’s 17 contrade compete in the Palio on 2 July. The race consists of three laps around Piazza del Campo. For the races on 2 July and 16 August, the square is covered each year with a layer of earth made from a mixture of tuff and sand. On both dates, the winning contrada is presented with the Drappellone, an original painting on silk.

These details show what to consider when planning a visit to the Palio: the event takes place on specific dates, and the racecourse is Piazza del Campo. Check the dates if you want to plan your trip around one of the races.

Underground waterways and routes through the city

Beneath Siena runs a network of aqueducts known as the Bottini. It is more than 25 kilometres long and supplies the city’s fountains and water points. Some sections can be explored on foot; access is by guided tour, with group sizes limited. If you would like to discover this special part of the city, check the visiting arrangements for your preferred date.

The Via Francigena also passes through Siena. Historically, it was a pilgrimage route used by pilgrims travelling from Western Europe to Rome. A reconstructed medieval urban garden has been created in the Orto de’ Pecci. These two places offer a different perspective on Siena: one evokes the history of the pilgrimage route, while the other shows the layout of a medieval urban garden.

Market, getting there and finding accommodation

The annual Mercato nel Campo takes place on the first weekend in December in Piazza del Campo. Products from the food and crafts sectors are presented there in a tradition inspired by medieval markets. If you plan to visit Siena at this time, include the specific weekend in your plans.

For travel by train, the distance offers a useful point of reference: Siena railway station is about two kilometres from the city centre. A plan for pedestrian and bicycle traffic applies to the historic centre as part of measures to control car traffic. The two details answer different questions: the distance puts the station in context, while the plan relates to getting around the centre.

When looking for a hotel in Siena, you might first consider what you want your trip to focus on: the city’s layout and architectural history, its art and collections, the Palio on its fixed dates, or a guided exploration of the Bottini.

Discover more destinations: Montepulciano, Chiusi, Torrita Di Siena, Asciano, Buonconvento, Casole D'elsa, Castiglione D'orcia, Cetona, Chianciano Terme, Chiusdino, Montalcino, Monticiano, Pienza, Radda / Chianti, Radicofani, Radicondoli, Rapolano Terme, San Casciano Dei Bagni, San Gimignano, San Giovanni D'asso, San Quirico D'orcia, Sarteano, Scrofiano, Sinalunga, Sovicille, Trequanda, Castellina In Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Colle Di Val D'elsa, Gaiole In Chianti, Monteriggioni, Poggibonsi, Vagliagli, Monteroni D'arbia, Siena, Murlo, Valiano, Abbadia San Salvatore, Piancastagnaio, Isola D'arbia, Anqua, Bibbiano, Colombaio, Montegabbro, Gallina, Piazze, Mensano, Fonteregina, Torri, Fonterutoli, Presciano, Badesse, Campriano, La Fratta, Ponte A Tressa, Megognano, Toiano, Scalvaia, Badiaccia A Montemuro, Taverne D'arbia.

For the broader travel overview: Tuscany.