Italy’s small wonder – Siena

Welcome to one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany and maybe Italy as well. Surrounded completely by every type of possible environment, the city of Siena sits atop 3 hills and has some of the best preserved historical landmarks of Italy.

The entire city is built around a single square called Piazza del Campo (city center) and the infrastructure is characterized by steep steps and fiercely twisted alleys. The Northern part of the city is filled with hills covered with olive trees and wine yards, while the Southern end belongs to the Arbia Valley famous for its wine and rugged mountains. If you travel west, you are bound to reach some really striking coastal towns and natural reserves.

The city boasts of projecting a medieval look to its visitors with large stone walls surrounding the city, and narrow cobble stoned streets that wind infinitely through the city’s rural and urban areas. The world famous festival of Palio, which is a historic horse race, is based in Siena which also houses one of the most ancient universities in all of Europe.

The city is also known for its recreational activities that include sports, theatres, concerts and various memorable cultural events.

Transportation:- Siena is well connected by road to all the major cities of Europe. Alternatively, if you choose to make the journey by train, you need to get down at Florence if you are coming from Rome. If you happen to travel the other way around, you can get off at Chiusi. The connecting train drops you off at the Siena Railway Station which is just a short bus ride from the center.

The entire city can be easily toured on foot and there is little chance of getting lost as all roads lead to the city center. Most of the slopes are steep and so you need to be a tad bit cautious of your step. The less narrow roads are accessible by small city buses.

Need to Know Facts:- Almost all the hotels in Siena are located near the center and are a bit expensive but well worth the stay. The local currency is Euros and the city lies one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The locals speak Italian though a fair amount of English is also spoken.

Places to visit:-

Piazza del Campo:- The historical city center of Siena, the Piazza del Campo has been recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Also called ‘il Campo‘ in local terms, the central square acts as the hub of the city and has a large gathering of tourists and locals at all times of the day.

The square has been designed in a unique sunrise fashion and is divided into 9 sectors to symbolist the Council of Nine. The square is lined with cafes and restaurants and also acts as the turf for the Palio Historic Horse race.

Palazzo Pubblico:- The historical palace of Siena now houses the Municipal Office. A small entrance fee of 9.50 Euros gives you access to the Museo Civico, an archaeological museum and the Torre del Mangia, a bell tower that provides stunning views of the city.

Visitors are allowed to climb the tower but beware, the steps are very narrow and steep; and the last part of the climb is on top a ladder. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with some of the most excellent views of the city and the surrounding valleys.

Loggia della Mercanzia:- This building was built in the 15th century and used to be the headquarters of merchants traveling into and outside the city. The arched ceilings are covered with beautiful pre – historic paintings and the building itself stands behind the Croce del Travglio, a cross used to symbolize a stopping point.

Piazza Postierla:- Visit the city of Terzo di Citta, one of the earliest inhabited parts of Siena and catch a glimpse of the world’s smallest window located on the building to the west of the square.

Duomo:- The outstanding cathedral of Siena is located to the North of the city center. Built of black and white marble, the structure was in the process of renovation when the city struck a hole in the treasury and the plans of making the cathedral the largest one in the world had to be put to rest.

Piccolomini Library and the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana:- These two monuments are situated right next to the Duomo. The museum is free to visit and contains some very intricate paintings of Siena, and original artwork that belonged to the cathedral at the time of renovation. The library has a small entrance fee and houses paintings that showcase incidents in the life of Sienese Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pius II).

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta:- A must visit is the Chapel of Saint Mary. Touted to be one of the most magnificent churches in Italy, the cathedral is situated at the summit of the city and is a standing witness to the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient Roman Empire. The structure is filled with depictions of the life of Virgin Mary along with numerous decorative interiors.

Via di Citta:- Take some time to wander around the most elegant street in the city. The avenue is lined with boutiques and historical palaces which enable you to catch a glimpse of the city’s culture at its best while indulging in some serious shopping.

Palazzo Buonsignori and Palazzo Brigidi:- These monuments are used to house the National Art Collection of various renowned artists of ancient Siena. Called Pinacoteca Nazionale, the collection includes among others, a 12th century masterpiece of a cross, and a dedicated room for Simone Martini, one of the most famous artists of Siena.

Cultural Events of Siena:- If you happen to be in Sienna during any of these festivals, don’t miss them. The Festival of Chariots (Carnival of Asciano) is a must watch and so is The Wild Boar Festival.

The city has its own share of movies and the Siena International Short Film Festival pays tribute to local and international film makers who have excelled in the field. The Festa di Santa Cecilia, Micat In Vertice and Serremaggio are all music festivals and cater to a range of local Sienese and International music.