Siena, one of the most important cities in the beautiful Italian area of Tuscany. A historic city, rich in art, like many of the Italian cities, with spaces with great charm and an old area with narrow streets to get lost in.
Today we are going to visit the Siena city, in Tuscany. A city that is not as crowded with tourists as Rome or Florence, but it has a lot to offer its visitors. Of course, if we are going to visit it when it is its famous Palio, then we will find large crowds. The rest of the time, it is a quiet and welcoming city to walk through to enjoy its historical spaces.
Piazza del Campo
The Piazza del Campo is undoubtedly the most important place in the city of Siena. The first place that we will want to see upon our arrival and the site where the famous Palio is celebrated, which has worldwide media coverage. In it we find the Public Palace, in which the Civic Museum is located today. This medieval square is one of the most beautiful in Italy because it has preserved all its ancient charm. It is a totally pedestrian square, so we can walk through it quietly. Another corner to take photos is the XNUMXth century Gaia Fountain. But without a doubt, the best thing to do in this square is to eat or drink in its restaurants and bars with terraces. It is one of the social activity points of the city.
Torre del Mangia
The Torre del Mangia is the bell tower of the Public Palace, built in the fourteenth century. Its name translates as the tower of the one who eats and derives from the great salary that his caretaker had, who was very prone to meals and waste. It is possible to go up to this city and have more panoramic views of the city from it.
Siena Cathedral or Duomo
The Duomo Cathedral is one of the most important in Italy. It is a building that draws a lot of attention for all the details of its XNUMXth century facade in the Italian Gothic style. The façade features three arches and a rose window, gold-toned mosaics and sculptures. It is a must to have a good time observing all the small details of this beautiful Gothic façade. The Campanile Tower and its beautiful baptistery are places not to be missed either. Inside there are artistic works of the height of Donatello, Michelangelo or Bernini. Also a must-see is the Panorama del Duomo, its viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the city of Siena. If we visit the Duomo in September we may be lucky enough to see its original floor, which is kept covered to preserve it, since it has marble squares full of images. The Cathedral Crypt, discovered in 1999 by chance, should also be visited, as there are intact XNUMXth century frescoes, as it had been closed and closed in the XNUMXth century.
Basilica of Sto Domingo
This Basilica of San Domenico or Santo Domingo is another of the most important religious buildings from the city of Siena. It was built in the XNUMXth century, although later it was getting the Gothic style that it currently has. It is built in brick, hence its tone. In addition, in this basilica we can find the relic of the Head of Saint Catherine, who is the patron saint of Italy. We also find the only fresco that was made on Santa Catalina in life. Inside we will also see numerous chapels and altars, with some works of art. If we want to see it in all its splendor from the outside, we can do it from the viewpoint of the Duomo of Siena.
Siena Museums
In front of the Siena Cathedral are the Museums of Santa María della Scala. This was one of the first hospitals in the world to attend pilgrims, but today we have in this complex the Center for Contemporary Art, the National Archaeological Museum and the Children's Art Museum. There are traces of Etruscans, Romans or the Middle Ages. The Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana is the most important in Siena, and it is also close to the cathedral. Contains sculptures and statues.
The Palio of Siena
If you want to see Siena in all its splendor, you have to go to famous Palio of Siena. It is a horse race that faces the different districts of the city and is held twice a year. On July 2 is the Palio di Provenzano and on August 16 the Palio dell'Assunta. It has historical origin and it is a race that is financed by the Siena community, and that does not accept publicity, as we can see if we go to this show. It is held in the central Piazza del Campo.