Travel To Siena

Introduction to Siena

Legend has it that the city was founded by Senius, son of Remus and the symbol of the wolf and the twins is common in Sienna today. However, it was not until the twelfth and thirteenth centuries that the city became one of the major powers in Europe that controlled most of Tuscany’s wool industry. However, this reign of glory was soon halted by the arrival of the first wave of the Black Death in 1348, which killed a vast majority of the population. The city then remained somewhat forgotten until it began to turn itself around in the latter half of the twentieth century. This is partly due to tourism which has brought badly needed money into Siena in recent years and has witnessed a small rise in the population. Words by Alice Dean

Show/Hide More...

Where to stay in Siena

1. Villa Elda REASONABLE
The hotel is recently restored and boasts spectacular views of the Siena’s historical centre as well as the surrounding countryside. The hotel has a very personal and relaxed atmosphere and is excellently located.

2. Borgo Grondaie REASONABLE
Although two kilometres outside of the city centre this hotel has a lot of charm. Originally a farm its setting is picturesque and there is a salt water swimming pool available to guests.

3. Palazzo Ravizza REASONABLE
This hotel is situated near the Cathedral and so is ideal for exploring the city on foot. The residence combines an old charm with modern facilities. The rooms are high ceilinged and spacious and there is a garden with spectacular views.

4. Sangallo Park Hotel BUDGET
Sangallo Park Hotel sits on the Vico Alto’s hill overlooking Siena. Although out of town the centre can easily be reached by bus or taxi and the hotel has private parking for guests.

5. Grand Hotel Continental Siena LUSH
This hotel has been lavishly restored and displays features such as frescoed ceilings a ornate chandeliers. The in house Sapordivino Restaurant and Wine Bar serves a large selection of Tuscan wines and cheeses. The rooms are spectacularly decorated and the location is very central.

6. Hotel San Marco REASONABLE
Hotel is located to the west of Siena in Colonna San Marco. The rooms are simple but comfortable and multilingual staff are available to provide tourist information.

7. Hotel Santa Caterina REASONABLE
This hotel maintains a traditional Tuscan atmosphere and some of the rooms overlook the countryside. The hotel is on the edge of the historic city but is only a 15 minute walk from the Piazza del Campo.

8. Montaperti Hotel BUDGET
Hotel has amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness room and sauna. Rooms are in a modern style and a complimentary breakfast is served every morning.

9. Certosa di Maggiano REASONABLE
Hotel was once a Carthusian monastery and was converted in the 1970s. Each room is individual which adds to the experience of your stay here. Although hotel is not central, being two kilometres outside of town, its surroundings are charming.

Where to eat in Siena

One particular traditional Sienese dishes is ribollita, a vegetable soup from peasant origin which name literally means ‘to re boil’. It often contains simple root vegetables and cannelloni beans.
Panforte, is a bread like cake that is made out of almonds, fruit, honey and a variety of spices. This is specifically only made in Siena and can be bought in local supermarkets or enjoyed in cafes

What to see in Siena

1. The Cathedral
Regarded as one of the greatest gothic churches in Italy, Sienna’s cathedral looks over the rest of the city. The marble floor has panels that tell various historical and Biblical stories and the oldest date back to the fourteenth century. In one of the chapels there is a statue of John the Baptist by Donatello and the bapistry contains more extraordinary pieces of art.
2. Piazza del Campo
This is very much the social centre of the city and has an unusual shell shape for a piazza. The square is surrounded by Sienna’s major roads Banchi di Sopra, Banchi di Sotto and Via di Citta, which makes it location geographically important. This was the former sight of the Roman markets but today locals and tourists relax on the terrace seating.
3. Museo dell ‘Opera Metropolitana
This museum is a short walk from the cathedral and has statues by Pisano that once featured in the Duomo itself. When done with admiring the various master pieces there is an opportunity to climb up to the Panorama del Facciatone where there is a spectacular view of the city.
4. Santa Maria Della Scala
This building served as the main hospital in Sienna for nearly eight hundred years, but today it is open for the public to experience its wonderful interiors. The halls that once served as wards have a range of impressive secular frescoes which makes a welcome change from the rest of the city. Now the building is beginning to be converted into an art and culture complex.
5. Il Palio
If able to catch it, this event, which is held twice a year on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August is when Siena as a city really comes alive. In honour of the Virgin Mary the main square Piazza del Campo is turned into a race track where 10 jockeys and horses compete. It is a tradition that runs back to the medieval period and is an emblem of the Sienese people.

Featured Siena Companies