Siena: A Journey Through Tuscany’s Medieval Heart
Tuscany, a region celebrated around the world for its poetic landscapes. Its rolling hills patterned with vineyards and olive groves, its winding cypress-lined roads, and its idyllic countryside dotted with rustic farmhouses create some of the most iconic vistas in Europe. Throughout Tuscany, nature blends seamlessly with human creativity, giving rise to cities that are masterpieces in themselves—Florence with its Renaissance grandeur, Pisa with its famed Leaning Tower, Lucca with its perfectly preserved walls, and, at the heart of this cultural mosaic, Siena. Appreciated for the Gothic architecture, the interesting museums, and the famous Palio horse race, this city remains a must-see destination if you are exploring Tuscany.
A Brief History of Siena
Siena’s origins trace back to the Etruscans, who established early settlements in the surrounding hills. Later, during the Roman era, the town—then known as Saena Julia—remained a relatively small settlement, overshadowed by larger regional centers. Its true rise began in the Middle Ages, when Siena transformed into a powerful and prosperous city-state. Wealth flowed through its streets thanks to trade routes and an increasingly influential banking system, most notably the Banco di Siena, considered one of Europe’s earliest banking institutions.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena reached its cultural and political peak, rivaling Florence for dominance in Tuscany. This era saw the construction of many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Palazzo Pubblico and the city’s magnificent cathedral. The Black Death of 1348 devastated Siena’s population and halted several ambitious architectural projects, freezing the city in a moment of medieval grandeur. Remarkably, this “interruption” contributed to Siena’s unique historical preservation, allowing future generations to experience a city that still feels rooted in its medieval identity.
Main Attractions in Siena
Today, Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant symbol of Tuscan culture, where traditions such as the Palio keep the city’s centuries-old civic spirit alive.
Piazza del Campo
No visit to Siena is complete without experiencing Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares.
Designed in a distinctive shell shape, the square is paved with red bricks arranged in nine sections, symbolizing the Council of Nine, the medieval government that oversaw Siena during its golden age. The piazza serves as both the city’s social heart and the stage for the Palio di Siena, the thrilling horse race held twice every summer. Surrounded by elegant palaces and vibrant cafés, Piazza del Campo is a perfect place to absorb Siena’s lively atmosphere.
Torre del Mangia
Dominating Piazza del Campo is the Torre del Mangia, a slender 87-meter bell tower completed in the 14th century.
Climbing its steep staircase rewards visitors with one of the most breathtaking views in Tuscany. From the top, you can gaze over Siena’s terracotta rooftops, the rolling countryside, and the distant Chianti hills. The tower’s name, “del Mangia,” refers humorously to its first bell-ringer, known for his love of good food and leisurely meals.
Palazzo Pubblico and the Civic Museum
Located at the base of Torre del Mangia, the Palazzo Pubblico is an exquisite Gothic palace that has served as Siena’s town hall for centuries. Its interiors house the Civic Museum, home to some of Italy’s most significant medieval frescoes. Among them are Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Allegory of Good and Bad Government”, an extraordinary cycle illustrating the principles of civic virtue and the consequences of tyranny. These frescoes are not only artistic treasures but also profound political reflections from the 14th century.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)
The Siena Cathedral is one of the most stunning Gothic churches in all of Italy.
Constructed in black and white marble—the colors of Siena’s civic emblem—the cathedral showcases an astonishing blend of sculpture, mosaics, and architectural details. Inside, you can admire works by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini, as well as the cathedral’s dazzling marble floor, composed of intricate inlaid scenes crafted over several centuries. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Piccolomini Library, a luminous hall filled with vividly colored frescoes celebrating the life of Pope Pius II.
Santa Maria della Scala
Directly opposite the cathedral stands the former Santa Maria della Scala, one of Europe’s earliest hospitals. Today, it functions as an expansive museum complex featuring archaeological finds, medieval frescoes, and exhibitions that trace the institution’s long history of social and medical care. The underground labyrinth of halls and chapels offers a captivating journey through Siena’s past.
Basilica of San Domenico
The Basilica of San Domenico, a massive brick church that towers over the city, is closely associated with St. Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s patron saints. The church houses several relics and artworks connected to the saint, as well as beautiful frescoes that depict scenes from her life. Its stark Gothic architecture and panoramic views make it a notable stop for visitors interested in religious and cultural heritage.
Activities to Enjoy in Siena
Beyond its architectural wonders, Siena offers a variety of enriching activities that allow you to immerse yourself in Tuscan culture. Food lovers can indulge in cooking classes that teach the secrets of traditional Sienese dishes such as pici pasta, ribollita, and the famous panforte dessert. If you are into wine, you have plenty of wine tours to choose from.
For those who prefer to stay active, Siena’s surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking and cycling. Trails wind through vineyards, forests, and medieval hamlets, offering unforgettable views and peaceful countryside escapes. In the city itself, guided walking tours reveal hidden corners, artisanal workshops, and the unique identities of Siena’s contrade—the 17 historic districts that still play a central role in civic life and the organization of the Palio.
Visitors arriving during July or August may experience the Palio di Siena festivities firsthand, witnessing traditional parades, neighborhood dinners, and rituals that transform the city into a vibrant tapestry of color, music, and fierce pride.
The Palio of Siena
The Palio of Siena is a historic horse race held twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, in the famous Piazza del Campo. It is one of Italy’s oldest and most cherished traditions, where the city’s contrade—each with its own colors, symbols, and centuries-old rivalries—compete fiercely. The race itself, run bareback, lasts only a few minutes, but it is preceded by days of rituals, medieval parades, and ceremonies that engage the entire community.
Being in Siena during the Palio is an unforgettable experience, as the city is filled with vibrant colors, flags, and songs of the contrade, while locals participate with genuine passion. Attending the Palio is a way not only to witness an extraordinary horse race but also to be part of the deep identity, history, and pride of Siena, and experience a cultural celebration that goes far beyond a typical tourist event.
How to Reach Siena
Reaching Siena by car from other Tuscan cities is relatively simple. Driving allows for a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, providing the freedom to explore charming villages and panoramic viewpoints along the way.
Trains are available as well, though they require a short transfer and arrive at a station located downhill from the old town, followed by a bus or escalator ride to the top.
