Visit Siena
Siena city is the capital of the Province of Siena located in central Italy about 30 miles south of Florence.
Looking to explore the area during your stay? Siena is only a 1-hour drive from Locanda in Tuscany and is so unique that the entire historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is much to do in Siena, so much that it’s the one place we spent 2 days on our trip in February.
Below we share with you some pictures from our trip and points of interest we explored, but there are many more things to do in Siena besides just this.
Keep reading to discover some of the treasures Siena has to offer.
Parking
On Viale Vittorio Veneto, you can find free parking on the road, or take a stab at finding a spot in this free parking lot (← that will link to Apple Maps, this link will take you to Google maps).
It’s a short walk to the Centro Storico from here, and as you all know, you cannot drive or park inside most Centro Storico locations.
Most parking areas close to a Centro Storico location are paid too, so finding free parking is a victory!
Piazza del Campo
Don’t miss this unique, shell-shaped piazza, Siena’s main square and the heart of the medieval city.
It’s divided into nine sections (like pie slices) and symbolizes the ruling Council of the Nine, which commissioned it during their rule of Siena from 1292 to 1355.
While the Palazzo Pubblico and the soaring bell tower, Torre del Mangia, are bound to awe you, don’t forget to make your way to the northeast section of the piazza for the Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy). This is a replica of the beautiful marble fountain created by Jacopo della Quercia in 1419. The original fountain—now severely weathered—is housed in the museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala.
Siena Cathedral Monumental Complex
Siena Cathedral, rising majestically in the eponymous city square, is one of Italy’s most illustrious Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals.
According to tradition, the present Cathedral replaces an earlier church dedicated to the Virgin Mary erected in the 9th century or thereabouts on the site of a temple serving the cult of Minerva.
Construction began in the 12th century, and the cathedral underwent various expansions and renovations over the centuries.
The iconic black and white striped façade, designed by Giovanni Pisano in the 14th century, reflects the city's symbolic colors.
The cathedral's interior is adorned with breathtaking artworks, including the pulpit by Nicola Pisano and masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini.
The cathedral also houses the Piccolomini Library, featuring frescoes by Pinturicchio.
The Siena Cathedral stands not only as a spiritual center but also as a cultural treasure trove that encapsulates the artistic brilliance of its time.
→Purchase tickets here or at the door
Santa Maria Della Scala
Santa Maria della Scala in Siena, Italy, has a storied history as one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, with roots dating back to the 9th century.
Originally founded as a hospice for pilgrims and travelers, it evolved into a complex institution dedicated to providing care for the sick, orphans, and the needy.
Over the centuries, the complex underwent numerous expansions and renovations, transforming into a vast hospital, orphanage, and refuge.
The institution's name, "Santa Maria della Scala," reflects its association with the nearby Siena Cathedral. Today, the historic complex has been repurposed and houses the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, showcasing a remarkable collection of art and artifacts, preserving the legacy of its charitable and humanitarian origins.
Places to Eat
When dining in Italy, keep in mind that most restaurants close from about 3:00 - 7:30 pm and it’s always good to make a reservation.
Also bear in mind that Italians keep time in military time, so try to have this figured out before you make your reservation to avoid confusion.
They will always ask you upon seating you what kind of water you want. “Still” is just plain old water, but if you like sparkling water, the word for this is “frizzante.”
To request a bottle of sparkling water, “Vorrei una bottiglia di acqua frizzante, per favore.” (I would like a bottle of sparkling water please).
Antica Trattoria Papei
Recommended by our Concierge at La Villa, Papei Trattoria is a family restaurant where we enjoyed the traditional Italian food (and wine) of the region.
Here’s the link to their website.
Sorry, forgot to take food pics.
Osteria Permalico
Recommended by an American couple we met during our travels around Siena, this was our favorite restaurant of the two.
Located very close to the Cathedral, we walked there to make a reservation for the same evening.
From our hotel, it was a bit of a walk to the restaurant…in the rain…but totally worth it!
Pici Cacio e pepe (pictured in the lower left above if you’re on a desktop) is the traditional pasta dish of this region. Pretty much all the pasta you eat anywhere you go is hand made, “Pici” being very common in this part of Italy. For € 8.00 you can’t beat it!
Here is a link to their website.
