Like most of Italy, Siena is chock full of fascinating history, famous art and amazing food. The main center of town is the Piazza del Campo, which doubles as a racetrack twice a year during the Palio celebration. Siena is perhaps most famous for this bareback horserace. Il Palio has a history almost as long as the town itself. This chaotic event is held July 2 and Aug. 16. While this is not necessarily the best time to visit for tourists looking for a relaxing break, it is amazing for those wanting to experience the real heartbeat of Siena.
Siena's glory period was during the medieval ages, so you can expect to see a lot of pre-Renaissance art in the museums. One of the best places for this is the Pinacoteca, which features famous Sienese artwork from the medieval period.
The Piazza Publico, or town hall, is an 800-year-old structure that houses fascinating artwork (mainly frescoes) commissioned by the local government. From here you can access the 14th century Torre del Mangia, which offers some of the best bird's-eye views of Siena.
Piazza Il Campo
Start your exploration here, Siena's main square...
Costa di Sant'Antonio
St. Catherine's childhood home converted to a peaceful, reflective sanctuary...
Piazza il Campo
Climb the tower for amazing views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside...
Piazza del Duomo
15th Century art treasures; located in the back of the Duomo...
Via di San Pietro 29
Artworks by Siena's master painters...
Piazza del Duomo
Ornately painted ceilings and illuminated manuscripts...
Via dei Rossi
Classic Gothic church used as an army barrack during WWII...
Piazza del Duomo
Famous frescoes and Gothic architecture...
Piazza del Duomo 2
Hospital turned cultural museum and art exhibition space...
Prato di Sant'Agostino
Bright and airy church...
Piazza del Duomo 8
Masterpieces of 14th & 15th-Century Art...
Via Borgo di Mezzo 64
Gregorian chants sung daily at this peaceful abbey...
Piazza del Duomo
Knowledge, religion and history...
Piazza San Domenico
See the preserved head of Saint Catherine!...
Via Logge del Papa
Built for Pope Pius II, not open to the public...
Piazza San Francesco 9
Church of San Francesco
Fine Artwork...
Via Pier Andrea Mattioli
Garden with a View...
Via dell'Ischia 14
Home to Forms of Art and Nature...
Piazza Il Campo 1
Palazzo Pubblico
Historic House...
Via dell'Abbadia
Historic Square...