Walking through Siena is like stepping back in time. With attractive architecture, Baroque art galleries and historical sites, the Italian city feels like a different world. Follow 14th century artists on their journey through Gothic paintings, visit historic piazzas for festivals and events, and feast on delicious food from the lush region of Tuscany.
With so many interesting and picturesque sites around this stunning UNESCO recognized city, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. Here’s our guide to just some of the best things to do in Siena.
Porta Pìspini
During the Middle Ages, Siena was heavily guarded by an array of defensive walls and gates. The Porta Pìspini is where you can best-see this defence system preserved. Marvel over the huge gates and see how they interlock together to build a strong set of fortifications.
Porta Pìspini gives a look into what life was like in Siena during this historical period. The inner gate is just as impressive – so make sure you walk through to take in the notable design.
You can find this unique structure in the southeast of the city, along the Via Aretina, where there’s parking nearby.
Duomo di Siena
Arguably the most stunning building in the city, the Duomo di Siena is covered in black and white stripes and is often referred to as ‘the zebra church’. Perhaps it’s no surprise that this cathedral took more than 200 years to build once work started in 1196, given how spectacular and iconic the results are.
The cathedral is as stunningly intricate on the inside as it is on the outside. Admire the striped stone archways, the vibrant mosaics on the floor and see famous works of art from Michelangelo and Donatello.
The cathedral is near the Piazza del Campo in the historic, pedestrianized centre where there’s parking just to the east of the piazza.
Siena Market
When you’re in traditional Siena, partake in a popular Italian pastime by visiting the large weekly farmer’s market in La Lizza park. Every Wednesday, vendors pitch up their stalls to sell local food, clothing, antiques, fabrics, trinkets and freshly cut flowers. Overlooked by the Fortezza Medicea, this is said to be the largest market in the whole of Tuscany.
In the markets, you can pick up some of the local cuisine. Try regional Tuscan cheese, sausages and grilled meats, and pick up a fresh batch of almond-flavoured, crunchy cookies called Cantuccini.
Torre del Mangia
For the best views of the city, head to the Piazza del Campo to climb the 400 steps to the top of the Torre del Mangia. This tower is the highest point in the city, so the views are unparalleled.
Built in the 14th century, the tower got its name from the first person to ever ring the bell in 1347. With red bricks built up to 87 metres, the tower offers exceptional views over the sea of vivid roof tiles and green Tuscan countryside. The climb up may be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded by a fantastic panorama across the town and beyond.
Pinacoteca Nazionale
Set inside the 14th-century Palazzo Buonsignori – a historic palace in the south of the city – visit this art gallery to be transported back to an influential artistic era. Park your car in the parking lot along the Via di Fontanella and walk for five minutes along the Via Pier Andrea Mattioli to the gallery.
The Pinacoteca Nazionale is a treasure trove of Gothic art. Immerse yourself in the city’s Byzantine and Gothic culture, which peaked between the 13th and the 15th centuries.
Each exhibit is brimming with masterpieces from well-regarded artists, including the Italian painter Duccio and his stylings of Madonna and Child. You can see other religious paintings from Italian artists such as Lippo Memmi, Pietro Lorenzetti and Sano di Pietro too.
Piazza del Campo
The medieval Piazza del Campo is hard to miss. Set in the centre of Siena, the huge square is one of the biggest in Europe.
In 1270, this large area was used as the location for the town’s markets and fairs. Today, it forms a popular event space for public holidays. The unusual paved ring around the piazza has a purpose – it’s used for the traditional horse racing event, the Palio di Siena. Dating back to medieval times, the race loops the spectators who stand in the middle of the track, which is covered in golden sand.
Lining the square, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to try local Tuscan cuisine and watch the world go by.
Due to the winding narrow alleys of Siena’s historical centre, you won’t see many cars parked up near the Piazza. You will find plenty of parking lots outside of this area however, in Onda and the San Prospero neighbourhood.
Museo dell’Opera
Discover paintings, sculptures and tapestries that once dressed the Duomo Cathedral and the Baptistry at the Museo dell’Opera. Founded in 1891, the museum’s collection is not extensive, but what is collected here is pristine and takes you through the different time periods of the cathedral.
Upon entry, you’re welcomed into the museum by Girolamo Ticciati’s Saint John in Glory and Candle-Bearing Angels. Finished in 1732, this huge piece of art used to adorn the Baptistery.
Admire a stained-glass window curated by Duccio, then explore the Sculpture Gallery and spectacular Salone del Paradiso. Peer up at the recreation of a stunning ancient cathedral facade which covers the entire wall.
There’s a lot to see in this museum, so it’s best to park up and walk to spend more time here. Use the parking lots along Via Maurizio Bufalini road and enter the museum toward the back of Brunelleschi's Dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
With car rental from Hertz, you can fully experience the best things to do in Siena and see what the rest of Tuscany has to offer too.
