Tuscany has some of the most unique scenery in Italy; there are beautiful vineyards and olive trees, quaint farm houses, and plenty of iconic Italian Cypress trees. Tuscany is known for its amazing wine and is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. While there are many small towns throughout Tuscany that are worthwhile to visit, this guide highlights Siena, one of the larger towns (and more popular places to visit) in the heart of Tuscany. It is particularly popular due to its proximity to Florence.
Things to Know About Siena:
- Siena is located about an hour from Florence. It is the second largest city in Tuscany and is known for Palio di Siena, a world-famous horse race that usually takes place twice a year.
- You can reach Siena by car, by train, and by bus. There are also many day trips available from Florence to Siena.
- If you are visiting the Florence area, it is a nice option to spend a few days in Florence and then a few days in Tuscany.
- Siena is a car-free and walled city. There are no cars allowed in Siena.
Things to do:
palio di Siena:
A world famous horse race that takes place in July and August. Palio di Siena is a horse race between the city wards of Siena. The race takes place over four days in the Piazza del Campo- the main square in Siena.
Torre del Mangia
Torre del Mangia is located in the central Piazza del Campo. From the top of Torre del Mangia, there are incredible views of Siena and the surrounding area.
Piazza del Campo:
Piazza del Campo is the site of the world famous Palio di Siena. It is also the main square in Siena. There are plenty of restaurants located right in the Piazza.
Siena Cathedral:
Siena Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) is the famous cathedral located above the Piazza del Campo. It is known for its artwork by Michelangelo and Donatello, black and white marble which is famous in Siena, and the mosaic floor which covers over 14,000 square feet.
Tuscan Bike Tour:
There are many different companies that provide bike tours throughout Tuscany. Biking through Tuscany is a great way to see some of the smaller towns. There are a variety of tours available based on skill level and some bike tours have e-bikes available.
Giaole in Chianti:
Giaole in Chianti is home to the famous Castello di Brolio. Although Giaole in Chianti is a a smaller town, there are a few restaurants and quaint stores. It takes about 45 minutes by car to get to Giaole in Chianti from Siena.
San Gimignano:
Siena is about a 40 minute drive from San Gimignano. This idyllic Tuscan town is known as the Tower of Fine Towers. It is famous for its architecture including its iconic towers. San Gimagnano is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wine Tours or Cooking Classes:
A trip to Tuscany would not be complete without visiting the iconic vineyards located throughout the region. There are plenty of tours that can show you around to the vineyards in the region. It is also a fun activity to take a cooking class when in Italy- the ingredients and food in Italy are incredibly fresh and delicious.
Siena is a charming town and has a wide range of historical and cultural sites to visit. It is also a fantastic jumping off to explore other parts of Tuscany.
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