The 5 attractions not to be missed while visiting Siena

Siena is the third most visited city in Tuscany, preceded by Florence and Pisa. In recent years, tourists have rediscovered this incredible destination and have been able to admire its main attractions.

The Palio di Siena is considered to be one of the symbols of the city, an event that takes place every year in Piazza del Campo. Here the "districts" compete with their horses in a speed race to determine the winner.

The districts are the 17 districts of Siena, each of which sends its champion to the Palio in the hope of winning the title.

What to see in Siena

Together we will discover the 5 most beautiful and unmissable places in Siena that deserve to be visited during the city tour.

Each of these places has a special history that testifies to the authenticity and beauty of the city of Siena. Too long underestimated in favor of the other Tuscan provinces, it deserves to be rediscovered.

Piazza del Campo

The first place to visit is Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio is held every year. If you reach it before the event, you can stop and admire the "Fonte Gaia", one of the most important fountains in Siena.

This monumental fountain was built in 1419 and decorated with reliefs by the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia.

Unfortunately, the material used for its realization was very fragile, so the original reliefs deteriorated over the years. In the mid-1800s, the sculptor Tito Sarrocchi undertook the task of reproducing them, using the most resistant Carrara marble to create an almost perfect copy of the original fountain.

Siena Cathedral

The second monument not to be missed is the Cathedral of Siena, located in the center of the city in the square of the same name. The exterior is characterized by the alternation of black and white, which perfectly corresponds to the Italian Romanesque-Gothic style.

The interior is one of the most interesting elements, especially thanks to the presence of the Piccolomini Library and the Piccolomini Chapel. Preserved are the works of important artists such as Donatello, Nicola Pisano, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio.

Torre della Mangia

For those who want to see the city from above, the Torre della Mangia is the perfect place. With its 400 steps, the tower reaches a height of 88 meters, allowing you to observe the surrounding landscape while admiring the city in all its beauty.

Inside the tower is the Civic Museum of the city, which houses famous works that give prestige and importance to the city of Siena.

Opera del Duomo Museum

To get to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, simply enter the right aisle of the Siena Cathedral. Originally, the museum was supposed to be part of the expansion project called "Duomo Nuovo", which unfortunately was never completed.

Inside the museum you can admire some of the "missing parts" of the Duomo, works that were once found on the façade of the Cathedral, the original fourteenth-century statues by Giovanni Pisano, the "Pala della Maestà" by Duccio di Buoninsegna and the beautiful stained glass window of the apse.

Old Town

Finally, the last must-see attraction for those who decide to visit Siena is the historic center, characterized by narrow streets surrounded by history.

Stone and brick are the main protagonists, housing historic buildings and houses in perfect medieval style.

Walking through the alleys of the historical center it will be possible to get lost in the delicacy of the buildings and the scents of the local restaurants where you can taste the famous typical Tuscan cuisine.