Siena

43.31847, 11.33058

Siena Travel Guide

Travel Author

Stig Albeck

City Map

City Introduction

Siena is a city with countless sights and cultural treasures, and at the same time the city is considered the wine capital of Tuscany. That way, you are never far from the nearest winery or for some tasty breaks in the city. Among the well-known wines from here is Chianti, which can be enjoyed hand in hand with the city’s atmosphere in the many old cozy streets.

Piazza del Campo is a beautiful square that forms the old center of Siena. The square is dominated by the city’s famous town hall, Palazzo Pubblico, which was built in an almost castle-like architecture in the years 1297-1310. It contains several distinguished halls from the Middle Ages, and there is a museum, the Museo Civico, where you can see paintings by great artists from Siena.

The town hall tower Torre del Mangia is 102 meters high, and from the top there is the city’s best view of the cathedral and the rooftops of the charming city. From the top, you can also get a great view of the pavement on Piazza del Campo, which radiates like a fan in nine fields from the town hall. The nine fields symbolize the Council of Nine, which governed the city in the Middle Ages.

Among the square’s other buildings are several mansions that help give the square its unique atmosphere, which you can enjoy from one of the many outdoor dining places. You can also see the fountain Fonte Gaiai, made by Jacopo della Quercia 1409-1419. The fountain is a copy from the 19th century, and the original still exists as well.

The city’s other major attraction is the Cathedral or Duomo, which is considered among Italy’s most beautiful. It was founded in the Romanesque style in the 12th century but changed into one of the best examples of Italian Gothic around 100 years later. The construction of the impressive church was completed in 1382, however some parts like the south nave was never built. It stands as a shell with the dimensions of 50×30 meters. It was supposed to be the largest Christian church, but a plague epidemic put an end to the plans.

The building material is mainly black and white stone. They were, for the most part, collected by local citizens in quarries outside Siena. The exterior of the church is richly ornamented, as is the beautiful, striped tower. Inside you can see the large marble floor mosaics, columns with inlays in black and white marble, stained glass and frescoes as well as reliefs by, among others, Donatello. The Piccolomini library is also worth seeing, and in the unfinished south wing, there is now a cathedral museum, Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo, where you can explore the history of the church.

Top Attractions

Siena Cathedral
Duomo di Siena

The Duomo di Siena or Siena Cathedral is an impressive medieval church located in Siena, Tuscany. Construction of the cathedral began in 1196 and the large structure was completed in 1348. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the cathedral is now known as Santa Maria Assunta. Built on the site of an earlier church, it has been a symbol of Siena’s religious and cultural identity for centuries, and it literally also stands atop the city.

The cathedral has undergone several expansions and renovations since its original construction and completion. In the 13th century, a large dome and a bell tower were added, both of which are central elements of the cathedral’s architecture today. The cathedral has also been an important center for religious ceremonies and events in Siena, and with its status as a cathedral, the Duomo di Siena stands as one of the most significant monuments in the city.

The cathedral is known for its unique architecture, combining elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The facade is adorned with white and black marble, creating a beautiful visual impression. The western facade was designed by Giovanni Pisano and is particularly notable for its detailed sculptures and decorations. Also note the entrance to the cathedral, which is adorned with three large portals, each decorated with reliefs and statues.

Inside the cathedral, you will find an impressive interior with marble floors in black and white stripes, symbolizing the colors of Siena. If you look up, you can see the ceiling, which is decorated with stars on a blue background, which is supposed to give the cathedral a celestial atmosphere. One of the most notable sights in the cathedral is the Biblioteca Piccolomini, which contains beautifully preserved frescoes by Pinturicchio. The library is dedicated to Pope Pius II and is one of the most important places to see for visitors.

The crypt and baptistery are also important parts of the complex of buildings that make up the cathedral grounds. The crypt, discovered in 1999, contains well-preserved 13th-century frescoes that provide a fascinating insight into medieval art and religious practice. These frescoes are notable for their detailed depictions of biblical scenes and their vivid colors, which have survived the centuries.

The baptistery, located in the southern part of the cathedral, is known for its impressive baptismal font, created by the famous sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. The font is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and is adorned with detailed reliefs depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist. The baptistery is also decorated with beautiful frescoes and sculptures that contribute to its aesthetic and historical importance for the cathedral and for the city.

 

Piazza de Campo

Piazza del Campo is the central square of Siena and is considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. Established in the 13th century on a sloping site where three of Siena’s districts met, the square was an important site and quickly became the social and political centre of the city, hosting markets, ceremonies and more. In 1349, the square was paved with bricks arranged in the famous pattern resembling a seashell. The design symbolises the nine sections representing the nine members of the Siena government who ruled the city in its heyday, known as the Noveschi.

The entire Piazza del Campo is shaped like a seashell in the heart of Siena, sloping down towards the Palazzo Pubblico, creating a kind of spectacle with the palazzo as the stage. The nine sections of the seashell pattern are divided by eight lines of white travertine, which cross the area with red bricks. In addition to the paving, at the northwestern end of the square you can see the Fonte Gaia, a beautifully decorated fountain built in 1419 by Jacopo della Quercia. The fountain is decorated with reliefs depicting biblical scenes and figures.

Around the Piazza del Campo there are several notable buildings. The most famous and prominent is the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s town hall, built in the Gothic style in the 14th century. The Palazzo Pubblico now houses the Museo Civico, where you can see an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art.

Next to the town hall is the Torre del Mangia from 1338-1348, which is a 102-meter-high tower with access to a tour to the top. From here there are fantastic views of Siena and the surrounding countryside. Other important buildings include several palazzos, which were home to the city’s wealthy families, among others. And then of course there is the atmosphere, which is a wonderful experience for both locals and tourists in beautiful historical surroundings.

 

Palazzo Pubblico

The Palazzo Pubblico, also known as Siena’s Town Hall, is one of the city’s most famous structures. It was built between 1297 and 1310 to serve as the seat of government of the Republic of Siena. The building was designed to house the Podestà and the Council of Nine, elected officials who performed both executive and judicial functions. The Council, Il Governo dei Nove, governed Siena from 1287 to 1355 and played a central role in the city’s political and social life.

Centrally located on Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico is a prominent example of medieval and Gothic architecture. The building’s history is closely linked to the development of Piazza del Campo, which became a central place for political and social activities in Siena when it was established as a link between three existing districts in the 13th century.

The Palazzo Pubblico is known for its impressive facade, which curves slightly inward to reflect the outward curve of Piazza del Campo. The building is adorned with a large round bronze plaque, a Christogram, placed there in 1425 in honor of the great preacher Bernardino of Siena. Inside, the palace is decorated with a series of frescoes, unusual for their time, as they were commissioned by the city government rather than the church, which was more the norm.

Among the most famous frescoes is Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government, Allegoria del Buono e Cattivo Governo, which is one of the most important secular depictions of the 14th century. You can also visit the Palazzo Pubblico Museo Civico, where you can see an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including works by Simone Martini and Duccio di Buoninsegna.

The old government building is surrounded by several interesting buildings, the most prominent of which is the Torre del Mangia tower. It is 102 meters high and was built between 1325 and 1348. The tower was designed to be taller than the tower in rival Florence and was at the time the tallest building in Italy.

 

Palazzo Salimbeni

Palazzo Salimbeni, also known as Rocca Salimbeni, is a Gothic-style city palace located in Piazza Salimbeni in Siena. The building was built in the 14th century by expanding an existing 12th-century castle belonging to the Salimbeni family. In 1419, the palace was confiscated by the Republic of Siena, and since 1472, the building has housed Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which has the status of the oldest bank in the world. In the 19th century, the palace was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style by the architect Giuseppe Partini.

Palazzo Salimbeni is known for its impressive facade, which is decorated with Lombard ribbons and Gothic windows with three arches, which were inspired by Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico. Inside, the palace is decorated with frescoes and works of art that reflect the historical importance of the building and the long history of the bank. The central square around the building is also a beautiful example of medieval architecture and gives visitors an insight into the original structure of the building.

You can also look at the buildings in Piazza Salimbeni. To the right of Palazzo Salimbeni stands Palazzo Spannocchi, designed by Giuliano da Maiano in 1470. To the left is Palazzo Tantucci, originally from the mid-16th century and designed by Riccio. These buildings were also restored in the 19th century by Giuseppe Partini, giving the entire square its current harmonious appearance.

 

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico is an impressive Gothic church located in Siena. The church is also known as the Basilica di San Domenico and was founded in 1226 and completed in 1265. It was later expanded in the 14th century, when it took on its current Gothic form and appearance. The church was built of brick and has a tall bell tower, which was slightly lowered after an earthquake in 1798.

One of the most notable features of the basilica is its association with Saint Catherine of Siena, who often attended Masses here. The church houses several relics of Saint Catherine, including her head, which is placed in a beautiful Renaissance chapel. This makes the basilica an important pilgrimage site for those wishing to honor her as a saint who, among other things, played an important role in mediating between political powers and working to bring the Pope back to Rome from Avignon.

The interior of the basilica is almost one large room, characterized by a simple but majestic style. The ceiling of the long nave is covered with ornate beams, and there is a transept with several chapels. Among the many works of art in the church are paintings by famous artists such as Francesco di Vannuccio, Stefano Volpi and Rutilio Manetti, and the Baroque chapel of Saint Catherine is also one of the highlights.

 

Medici Fortress
Fortezza Medicea

Fortezza Medicea, also known as Forte di Santa Barbara, is a historic fortress in Siena, Tuscany. The fortress was built between 1561 and 1563 on the orders of Cosimo I de’ Medici, who later became the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. The large fortress was built to secure Florentine control over Siena after the city’s defeat by Florence at the Battle of Marciano in 1554.

The fortress is located on the northwestern edge of central Siena in the San Prospero district. It was designed by the famous architect Baldassarre Lanci, who had a background as a military engineer. Originally, the fortress had an L-shaped ground plan, but was later transformed into its current rectangular shape with four impressive bastions at each corner.

Today, Fortezza Medicea is demilitarized and serves as a public park and cultural center. It is used for art exhibitions, festivals and concerts, among other things, and with its impressive bastions it also forms one of Siena’s largest building complexes. This is clearly visible in the streets around the complex. And in the streets to the southeast there is a beautiful panoramic view of Siena’s old part with the city’s cathedral at the top.

Other Attractions

Day Trips

Florence, Italy

Florence

Florence and surrounding Tuscany are at the top of many travelers bucket lists of places to see in Italy and the World, and for good reason. The landscape is picturesque and with the many cultural cities, loads of great sights and activities await. Florence is the top of Tuscany sights with all its splendor and countless beautiful churches, palaces and more.

The city, with all its marble, offers plenty of things to do. Among the most famous places to visit are the magnificent cathedral of the city and its baptismal chapel. Palazzo Pitti with the impressive Boboli Gardens, the unique bridge of Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery’s distinguished collections and the area around the Republic Square are good choices as well.

More about Florence

 

Perugia, Italy

Perugia

Perugia is the capital of the region of Umbria, and it is a city with a long history. Perugia dates to the Etruscans and was historically one of the most important cities of the Etruscan civilization. The Etruscans were incorporated into the Roman Empire, and then there were times of changing dominion. Throughout the 13th century and until the beginning of the 14th century, Perugia was the seat of the Catholic Church’s conclave, and five popes were elected in the city. Later, the city was ruled by France, the Roman Republic and Austria, before Perugia became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

More about Perugia

 

Pisa, Italy

Pisa

Pisa is one of the old Italian city-states, which today offers fantastic sights and a lovely atmosphere. The city is one of the great cultural cities in Tuscany and lies beautifully along the banks of the river Arno close to the estuary in the Ligurian Sea. The most famous work is The Leaning Tower.

A trip to Pisa is, however, much more than an encounter with the Leaning Tower. It’s also strolling in a beautiful city center with a wealth of highlights. The city’s magnificent buildings were created on an economic boom that came with the city’s naval dominance in the western Mediterranean throughout the 1000s and 1300s, and this is enjoyed today.

More about Pisa

Geolocation

In short

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Overview of Siena

Siena is a city with countless sights and cultural treasures, and at the same time the city is considered the wine capital of Tuscany. That way, you are never far from the nearest winery or for some tasty breaks in the city. Among the well-known wines from here is Chianti, which can be enjoyed hand in hand with the city’s atmosphere in the many old cozy streets.

About the Siena travel guide

Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
Published: Released soon
Author: Stig Albeck
Publisher: Vamados.com
Language: English

About the travel guide

The Debrecen travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Italian city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.

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Italy Travel Guide: https://vamados.com/italy
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Stig Albeck

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