An hour’s drive from Florence, Siena is a classic hill town strewn with historic buildings celebrating the gothic world. The old historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, topping the list of Italy’s finest strolling grounds. Guest blogger Satarupa Datta gives us her best tips of what to do in Siena to fully take in its splendor.
Behind the city’s mesmerizing facade, the narrow streets framed by green shutter houses feel like they haven’t changed for centuries. When meandering the streets keep an eye out for pasticcerie (pastry shops), along with fine leather goods and Sienese ceramics made by local potters. How people in Siena manage to keep up the Italian way of Il bel far niente (meaning the beauty of doing nothing), with so many beautiful distractions at their fingertips, is beyond me!
1. Unwind at the Piazza Del Campo
There is no denying piazzas are the microcosms of Italian life. Charming piazzas are packed with the best cafes & restaurants, paintings & sculptures by fine art students, open-air performances by amateur musicians, awe-inspiring architecture and every bit of hubbub. Piazza Del Campo, the fan shaped piazza of Siena is no exception. Expect to be charmed by the 14th-century Gothic masterpiece of Palazzo Pubblico that has housed the city’s administration from its inception. Even if you’re not a lover of architecture, it’s hard to face away from Torre del Mangia that rises high above into the sky. The beautiful bell tower offers stunning views of Siena if you can conquer the steep climb. If you're tired from a day of sight-seeing, refuel with a coffee or aperitivo (pre-dinner drink & snacks) while sitting at one of the many cafes around Del Campo.
2. Marvel at the Gorgeous Duomo
Built over the 13th & 14th centuries, Siena’s Duomo is a majestic site honoring the mastery of many great medieval architects and artists. The white & black marble striped facade is said to be a triumph in Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The grandiose interior envelops you as you gaze at marble columns, vaults painted in blue with gold stars and the mosaic floors featuring biblical scenes. The other highlights are the naïve, alter and pipe organs, as well as the stained glass windows throughout. The cathedral also holds prominent treasures like masterpiece statues carved by the iconic Michelangelo and Bernini.
Another striking feature is the Piccolomini Library, accessible through a door from the north aisle that houses manuscripts of the former bishop, Pope Pius II. If you’re a lover of art you’ll love the library’s painted columns and the colorful frescoes that are truly eye-popping. If you’ve wondered where photographers go to get those stunning shots of Tuscany, climb up 131 steps of the Facciatone, the unfinished Duomo Nuovo’s facade. You can see down green rolling hills, dotted with beautiful jumble sof terracotta roofs amid vines and olive groves.
3. Revel in Gourmet Heaven
Siena is a town steeped in history, but some of the joys I experienced also came from its eateries! After all, what is Italy without the food? To begin with, there are a variety of local sweets, like panforte (a rich cake of almonds, honey, and candied fruit) and ricciarelli (sugar-dusted chewy almond biscuits), panpepato (dense dark chocolate wine spiced & nutty cake ) cantucci (almond cookies) and cavallucci (Sienese cookies with chopped walnuts, candied fruit, aniseeds, and spices) - any of these pair delightfully with a cappuccino! Bar Pasticceria Nannini - a local institution in the art of pastry & coffee making -- is a must-visit for these sweet treats.
On the savory side, traditional prosciutto crudo (pink sheets of cold cut pork) and ciabatta (Italian bread made of wheat flour) is always a hit for a quick grab and go. If fine dining is what you prefer, then Restorante Enzo is quite an experience with unparalleled handmade pici pasta and meat dishes.
Local Osterias - casual restaurants that offer seasonal and local dishes are another great option for a tasty meal. Rooted in Siena, Ristorante Bagoga is another gourmet landmark that celebrates the Sienese tradition of slow-cooking with a modern twist. The clear winners of the menu are its slow cooked Indian rooster, baked spaghetti, and Collo di Pollo Ripieno ( stuffed chicken in tomato sauce cooked over low heat for at least 2 hours). And with the comfort of Chianti wines, this is a perfect restaurant for life’s special celebrations.
4. Splurge with a wide range of shopping
An indulgent retail spree is never a bad idea when you’re exploring a unique location, well known for the quality of its local goods. For curious travelers, via Montanini, Banchi di Sopra and Via di Città are the main roads that makeup Siena's high street. It’s hard to resist the beautiful leather bags & accessories, detailed handmade ceramics, and a plethora of fashion options. Antica Siena, a family run shop where the first Sienese ceramics were created is your perfect stop for a hand painted wall plate. Cortessi, a 1935 fashion store can spoil you with Gucci, Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and all things luxury. New age fashionistas should head to Dolci Trame or Mag, the innovative boutiques treading on the heels of avant garde fashion. For those interested in something truly special, check out Alessandro Stella’s shop to find an artisan shoemaker crafting those once-in-a-lifetime pair of handmade Italian shoes! If you yearn for vintage shopping then Aloe & Wolf is your place-to-be for a 70s Gucci bag or an Oscar night Valentino dress. Pop up antique stalls are also seen in Piazza del Mercato, just behind Piazza del Campo, on the third Sunday of each month. Siena may be a small Tuscan town, but it houses plenty of shopping options with the best in fashion no matter your taste!
5. Feel the past walking the streets
Between all the landmarks & iconic sites, Siena is especially striking due to its laid back and relaxed vibe. The centuries old bylanes are perfect for passeggiata or the evening stroll. It’s always a pleasure to wander even when it’s buzzing with people. It feels magical at the break of dawn when the sky picks up the same sepia hue as the stones of the square. Be sure to walk the edges of the town for magnificent views looking back on the town or into the sprawling Tuscan countryside. You can also soak in the golden light and buildings during the aperitivo hour as you sit and watch Italian life go by.
6. Palio di Siena, more than a sport
A bareback horse race not more than ninety seconds is enough to upsurge the paranoa and passion of the entire Sienese population. Each jockey represents a contrade (districts) and 10 out of 17 city districts race against each other around its iconic Piazza del Campo. Held every year from June 29th - July 2nd and from August 13th - August 16th since 1656, Palio is just not a sporting event in Siena, the locals believe it’s a way of life. But if you cannot make the Palio week there are plenty of other treasures to keep you hooked.
Full of beautiful medieval architecture and winding cobbled streets leading to artisan stores, topnotch eateries and luxe accommodations, Siena stays with you long after you depart. It is truly a destination that is worth adding to your list of places to visit in Italy!
Satarupa Datta is a world traveller and television scriptwriter based in Mumbai, India. On days she is not working, shouldering her camera backpack, she flies off to new destinations in the hunt for cultures, landscapes, gastronomy, art and shots that tell stories.
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