The best places to visit in Siena and its territory by Cecilia Martinelli

The Cathedral

ceciliamartinelli — 2025-07-17 15:48:57 UTC

Siena's Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture in Italy, built on the site of a Roman temple. Construction began in the 12th century and continued for centuries, resulting in a magnificent structure with intricate marble decoration and a unique mosaic floor.

Piazza del Campo

ceciliamartinelli — 2025-07-17 15:57:01 UTC

Piazza del Campo, or simply "Il Campo", is the central public space of Siena's historic center. It's renowned for its unique shell shape and architectural integrity, and is considered one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. The Palazzo Pubblico, a Gothic masterpiece, dominates one side of the square and houses the Civic Museum, which displays Sienese School paintings. The square is also the site of the Palio di Siena, a historical horse race that takes place twice a year.

Palazzo pubblico

ceciliamartinelli — 2025-07-17 16:16:02 UTC

Since it was built at the end of the 13th century, the Palazzo Pubblico has always been the heart of Siena's political power and administration. In the Middle Ages, it was the headquarters of the Republic's government and political institutions. Nowadays, it has become the town hall and the seat of the mayor. In the first half of the 14th century, it was decorated with outstanding fresco cycles, such as Lorenzetti's Allegory of Good Government — a gigantic and complex allegory of good governance, illustrating its positive effects and condemning corruption and private interest in politics as threats to the common good and public welfare.

Chianti

ceciliamartinelli — 2025-07-17 16:27:48 UTC

Chianti is a rural area located between the provinces of Siena and Florence. It is renowned for its famous red wine, ancient cellars, and picturesque vineyards and olive groves. At the same time, it is a land of deep woods, hidden meadows, and unexpected wilderness populated by wolves, wild boars, and deer. It is a wonderful destination for sports lovers — perfect for runners, hikers, and cyclists.

San Gimignano

ceciliamartinelli — 2025-07-17 16:34:18 UTC

San Gimignano is probably the most impressive and best-preserved medieval town in the world. Best known as the "Medieval Manhattan" due to its 12 still-standing towers, it has fully preserved its ancient appearance and offers visitors a unique glimpse into medieval architecture and art.

Val d'Orcia

ceciliamartinelli — 2025-07-17 16:41:28 UTC

The most iconic landscape of Tuscany, the Val d'Orcia is a rural area south of Siena, renowned all over the world for its rolling hills and vibrant colors: green in spring, gold in summer, and grey in winter. The beautiful ancient farmhouses, lines of cypresses, and the soft silhouettes of hills and mountains in the background have provided the perfect setting for hundreds of movies and commercials.