Siena's Piazza del Campo

Here on Itinari you travel fans can already find some information about Palio, Siena’s number one event and attraction (both for locals and tourists), but it is important to know more also regarding the city itself because I am sure once you are there you’d curiosity for this lovely town will sky-rocket. Let me start telling you that spring, especially late March and early April, might be the best time to visit; you’d avoid the incredible amount of travellers and tourists that fill up the streets and the museums during the summer and you’d be able to enjoy the first warmth sipping a good coffee or a cool glass of withe wine while sitting in any cafes’ verandas. Not a bad way to start I think.

Getting here shouldn’t be a problem; there is no airport, but the city is very well connected to Firenze and Perugia, both airport-equipped cities, and has a good railroad network. If you get here by car finding a parking might be challenging but if you are brave enough to drive into some more residential districts outside the walls you should find a spot and save some coins too.

The historic walled centre of the city, a Unesco Heritage Site, is obviously what you are heading for. It is not very wide, and it won’t take you many hours to visit it so you can really take your time while strolling and wandering around the maze-like Siena’s alleys. The city is set over three hills and at the very heart you’ll find the outstanding Piazza del Campo, the symbol of Siena. The square is also where some of the most important sites and attractions of the city are situated: Palazzo Comunale, Torre del Mangia, Fonte del Gaia, and the noble palaces are all worth a visit. Here is also where the Palio is held twice per year. From the Piazza you can head west and in a matter of minutes you’ll be able to sight the main Cathedral, Duomo di Siena. If you had the chance to visit other Tuscan towns such as Lucca, you’ll recognize the typical black and white stripes and the beautiful marble statues on the cathedral’s façade and sides; an admission fee is required to get in, but it is absolutely worth it.

Throughout its history Siena had years of real international importance and relevance: banking business started to spread from here in the XXV century allowing the city to become very wealthy and influential. The rich merchants and nobles invested this wealth in the city’s organization and planning and the results are visible to any visitor up to today.