Siena Historic Center (Siena Centro Storico)
The Basics
The heart of Siena’s historic center is Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse races and landmarks such as the medieval Palazzo Pubblico (town hall), Fontana Gaia fountain, and Torre del Mangia tower. Nearby, the marble-fronted Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo di Siena) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of Siena’s most impressive sights. Additional highlights include the Fort of Santa Barbara (Fortezza di Santa Barbara) and Palazzo Salimbeni palace.
Siena’s historic center is best explored on foot as part of a walking tour, and the town is a popular stop on day trips to the Chianti region of Tuscany from Florence and Rome. Tours often include either the city of Pisa or the picturesque villages of San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Castellina. Full-day sightseeing itineraries generally include a stop for lunch and wine tasting.
Recent reviews from experiences in Siena
Things to Know Before You Go
Siena is one of the most beautiful medieval centers in Tuscany, so be sure to bring your camera.
The town is accessible to wheelchair users, but if your visit is part of a wine tour, wineries may not be. Check in advance.
Tours of Siena and the villages of Tuscany require a fair bit of walking. Choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
How to Get There
Siena is about 90 minutes directly south of Florence by car or train. The most convenient way to visit is by joining a small-group or private tour that includes transportation so you can also explore nearby Tuscan villages.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Home to one of the most famous and popular medieval festivals in Italy, Siena is either a destination to visit or to avoid during the annual Palio, held in July and August. The town offers little shade so is best explored in spring or fall when the temperatures are milder.
Siena’s Palio Festivities
One of the most raucous historical festivals in Italy, the Palio di Siena focuses around a bareback horse race held in Piazza del Campo each year on July 2 and again on August 16. Ten horses and riders representing 10 of the 17 contrade, or historical town districts, race along a track through the screaming crowds for honor and glory. The celebrations also include pageants, banquets, and religious events.
- Things to do in Tuscany
- Things to do in San Gimignano
- Things to do in Chianti
- Things to do in Florence
- Things to do in Livorno
- Things to do in Pisa
- Things to do in Lake Bolsena
- Things to do in Assisi
- Things to do in Bologna
- Things to do in Ravenna
- Things to do in Rome
- Things to do in Genoa
- Things to do in Venice
- Things to do in Umbria
- Things to do in Emilia-Romagna
- Santa Maria della Scala
- Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini)
- Siena Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana)
- Baptistery of San Giovanni (Battistero di San Giovanni)
- National Art Gallery of Siena (Pinacoteca Nazionale Siena)
- Piazza del Campo
- Palio of Siena (Palio di Siena)
- Mangia Tower (Torre del Mangia)
- Siena Civic Museum (Museo Civico di Siena)
- Pubblico Palace (Palazzo Pubblico)
- Pubblico Palace (Palazzo Pubblico)
- Fonte Gaia (Gaia Fountain)
- Siena Piazza del Mercato
- Basilica of San Domenico (Basilica di San Domenico)
- Montalcino Fortress (Fortezza di Montalcino)