25 Tourist Attractions in Siena Recommended for Visit

Siena is an ancient city located in the Tuscany region, the capital of the province of Siena. The attractions of this place are extremely diverse: from religious buildings with magnificent architecture to the picturesque main square, Piazza del Campo, and the cozy historic center of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Siena is also famous for its legendary Palio horse races, which take place twice a year and draw hundreds of spectators.

Siena, like other Tuscan cities, was first settled by the Etruscans, and a full-fledged settlement appeared during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus.

Since at that time the city was located far from major roads, it developed rather slowly; however, after the arrival of the Lombards, Siena gradually began to thrive and eventually became a powerful Republic of Siena, which lasted for several hundred years. In the following years, growth continued, and today it is quite a prosperous city with a developed tourism and agriculture sector.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1179 on the site of a former Roman temple and was only completed in the 13th-14th centuries. This majestic building holds living testimonies to the talents of many great architects and artists of the medieval and Renaissance period: Giovanni Pisano created the intricately designed facade from white, green, and red marble, Nicola Pisano carved its Gothic pulpit from Carrara marble, Pinturicchio frescoed the walls of the magnificent Piccolomini Library, and Michelangelo, Donatello, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini worked on its sculptures.

The stunning interior of this cathedral embodies the triumph of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The decorations on the walls and columns reflect the striped motifs of the facade, while golden stars adorn the blue vaults of the building.

The magnificent marble floor showcases panels with 56 colored historical and biblical scenes, over which about 40 different artists worked for 200 years starting from the 14th century.

Address: Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.

This wonderful museum, entered through the inner courtyard of the left wing of the Palazzo Comunale, is ready to show you splendid rooms richly decorated with frescoes by the artists of the Sienese school.

Some of the frescoes commissioned by the city administration depict quite secular themes, which was unusual for that time. Among the highlights for tourists are two massive frescoes - <<The Effects of Good and Bad Government>> by Lorenzetti (1338-40) and the famous <<Maestà>> by Simone Martini (1315).

Address: Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy.

The luxurious collection of Gothic masterpieces from the Sienese school of painting is housed inside the once grand, now weathered Palazzo Buonsignori from the 14th century. Key exhibits are located on the second floor: you can see works by Guido da Siena, Duccio (di Buoninsegna), Simone Martini, Niccolò di Segna, Lippo Memmi, Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti, Bartolo di Fredi, Taddeo di Bartolo, and Sano di Pietro.

The collection demonstrates a vast gap between the painting schools of Siena and Florence in the 15th century. The Florentines actively responded to all the new trends of the Renaissance, while the masters of Siena remained true to the strict Byzantine and Gothic painting traditions laid down in the early 13th century.

They preferred to work only with religious images and motifs, completely ignoring any advancements in painting - the works were created without perspective, emotion, or movement, which were actively practiced by Florentine artists.

However, it cannot be said that the works of the Sienese masters represent lesser artistic value - many of them are key masterpieces of painting of their time.

Address: Via S. Pietro, 29, 53100 Siena SI, Italy.

This vast complex dating back to the 12th century, located on Via Francigena opposite the Cathedral, once served as a shelter and hospital for pilgrims.

The highlight of the complex is the so-called <<Pellegrinaio>> (Pilgrims' Hall) on the upper floor, which features vibrant 15th-century frescoes by Lorenzo di Pietro (also known as Vecchietta), Priamo della Quercia, and Domenico di Bartolo. The frescoes extol the good deeds carried out in the hospital and the images of its patrons. The most memorable work is <<Caring for the Sick>> by di Bartolo (1440-41) - a painting depicting the everyday life of the hospital at that time.

There is so much interesting content in the museum that you won't have enough than half a day to fully explore all the masterpieces. Be sure to visit the exceptionally atmospheric Archaeological Museum located in the basement tunnels, admire the medieval hayloft on the third floor, next to which you can see the original sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia from 1419 and the Fonte Gaia fountain, a copy of which stands in the city center.

To the right of the main entrance is the old chapel of the Chiesa Annunziata, which houses the <<Merciful Madonna>> by di Bartolo (1444-45) and a cycle of frescoes by di Pietro illustrating the Ten Commandments.

Address: Santa Maria della Scala, Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.

In 1492, Cardinal and Archbishop of Siena Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini (who later became Pope Pius III) commissioned the construction of a library to be added to the northern part of the cathedral, where he wanted to house the book collection of his uncle Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II).

However, it is worth visiting not so much to see the books themselves (there are very few of them here) but to enjoy the bright frescoes by Pinturicchio (Bernardino di Betto), painted between 1503 and 1508, which depict the life of Pope Pius II.

The magnificent cycle of ten works begins with an image of the future pope leaving with a message to Basel. The subsequent paintings narrate his activities as a bishop and pope, culminating in a fresco depicting the pope's death in Ancona while organizing a crusade against the Turks.

In the center of the library, you can see a sculptural group of the <<Three Graces>>, which is a copy of an earlier Hellenistic work from the 3rd century.

Address: Libreria Piccolomini, Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.

In the mid-12th century, this square, located at an angle and popularly known as <<Il Campo>>, was paved with stone and divided into equal parts, symbolizing the power of the Consiglio dei Nove (the so-called <<Council of Nine>>). Since then, this place has become the center of public and political life in Siena.

Built on the site of an ancient Roman marketplace, the square was divided into nine sectors representing the interests of various city consiglia (public groups). Today, it is a popular leisure spot among the youth; the cafes surrounding the square are always bustling with people.

By the way, here you will have the opportunity to learn about the famous Italian tradition of aperitivi.

Address: Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy.

The most valuable work in this repository of works of art that once adorned the cathedral is undoubtedly the stunning <<Maestà>> (1308-1111) - a double-sided icon painted by Duccio for the cathedral altar. The master depicted the Virgin surrounded by angels, saints, and prominent contemporaries of Siena.

The reverse side of the image (unfortunately, not fully displayed) is dedicated to the Passion of Christ. Access to the viewing platform of the Facciatone is included in the ticket price.

Among other notable works: Donatello's marble tondo <<Madonna and Child>> (1457-59), Duccio's stained glass (1287-88), <<The Nativity of Mary>> by Pietro Lorenzetti (1342), and 12 statues of prophets and philosophers by Giovanni Pisano. These statues originally stood on the facade of the building and were made to be easily viewed from the ground, so they are slightly tilted forward.

Address: Opera delle Metropolitana, Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.

The baptistery is adorned with 15th-century frescoes and a hexagonal baptismal font with a marble sarcophagus crafted by Jacopo della Quercia, and bronze panels depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist, created by masters such as Lorenzo Ghiberti (<<The Baptism of Christ>> and <<The Arrest of John the Baptist>>) and Donatello (<<The Feast of Herod>>).

Address: Battistero di S. Giovanni Battista, Piazza San Giovanni, Siena, Italy.

Few buildings can boast such a rich <> as this 13th-century palace. The building was constructed at the behest of the powerful Piccolomini family (the most outstanding member being Pope Pius II) during the Renaissance era.

Later, in the 17th century, it was purchased by the Saracini family, and a century later it passed into the possession of the Chigi family. Today, it houses the Chigi Music Academy, and the art-adorned interiors showcase the wealth and taste of the once influential Saracini and Chigi families.

The main focus is the concert hall, decorated in the Rococo style, the dining room with patterned wall paintings, and the halls housing paintings from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Among the palace's decor, you can find ancient musical instruments, including Liszt's piano and the oldest known harpsichord.

The collection of photographs of famous artists who visited this house at various times attests to the good musical taste of its last owner, Guido Chigi Saracini, who founded the music academy here in 1932. On the wall, portraits of Arthur Rubinstein, Pietro Mascagni, Zubin Mehta, and Daniel Barenboim can be seen.

Address: Palazzo Chigi Saracini, Via di Città, Siena, Italy.

Housed in the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Siena city archive is one of the richest archives in Italy. The small museum is named after the pride of the archive's collection - 103 small painted and gilded wooden tablets from the late 13th century, known to specialists as <>. The tablets were painted by famous Sienese artists, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Taddeo di Bartolo.

Address: Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna, Banchi di Sotto, Siena, Italy.

This massive and externally austere basilica, built in the 13th century, is named in honor of St. Catherine of Siena. The nave of the cathedral is adorned with frescoes by Sodoma and Andrea Vanni, telling visitors about the life of the saint. Here you can also find a 15th-century reliquary containing the head and finger of St. Catherine, as well as a grim iron chain that she wore on her body until old age.

In the Cappella delle Volte located to the right of the main entrance, the saint spent much time, making this site special. Now, there hangs the only authentic portrait of the saint painted by her contemporary Andrea Vanni. Among other notable works in the basilica are <<Nativity>> by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the triptych <<Madonna and Child>> by Matteo di Giovanni, and <<Maestà>> by Guido da Siena.

Address: Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, Piazza San Domenico, 1, Siena, Italy.

This Gothic masterpiece from the 14th century, created to showcase the wealth, pride, and independence of Siena, is located right opposite Piazza del Campo, which is considered the heart of the city. Note how the concave facade of the building echoes the contours of the square. Palazzo Pubblico has always been the center of the city's cultural and administrative life. From the top of its mighty Torre del Mangia, the most breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings can be seen.

Address: Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy.

The picturesque terraces of this botanical garden, sprawling over 2.5 hectares in the Sant'Agostino valley, will help you escape the crowds of tourists and offer breathtaking views of the valley. The garden is owned by the University of Siena - its scholars conduct various scientific research here.

There are greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, various fruit trees, and gardens featuring all sorts of aromatic, medicinal, and edible plants. Over 1000 species of plants are collected in the garden, including local and endangered species.

Address: Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena, Via Pier Andrea Mattioli, Siena, Italy.

Tickets for popular places in Siena:

Built in 1348, the red brick and travertine bell tower stands 87 meters tall and offers all tourists the most magnificent views of Siena. Its popular nickname (<<The Guzzler's Tower>>) derives from Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed <>, who worked as a bell ringer here from 1347 to 1360. Later, the bell ringer was replaced by a machine, which was also nicknamed <> - in memory of the predecessor. The remains of this interesting mechanism are now kept in the courtyard of Palazzo Pubblico.

Address: Torre del Mangia, Siena, Italy.

This house is famous for being the former residence of Saint Catherine, along with her parents and 24 siblings (locals joke that her mother was likely also a saint and pure). It is now a popular pilgrimage site, overseen by Benedictine nuns.

In the 15th century, the kitchen and bedroom of the house were frescoed and converted into a chapel. The Chapel of the Crucifixion (closed to tourists from 12:30 to 15:00) was added to the house in the 17th century. Below is the room of Saint Catherine, where she spent time in prayer - its original furnishings have been fully preserved.

This house is famous for being the former residence of Saint Catherine, along with her parents and 24 siblings (locals joke that her mother was likely also a saint and pure). It is now a popular pilgrimage site, overseen by Benedictine nuns.

In the 15th century, the kitchen and bedroom of the house were frescoed and converted into a chapel. The Chapel of the Crucifixion (closed to tourists from 12:30 to 15:00) was added to the house in the 17th century. Below is the room of Saint Catherine, where she spent time in prayer - its original furnishings have been fully preserved.

Address: Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina, Costa Sant'Antonio, Siena, Italy.

This archaic Romanesque church was built in the 20th century and was used by the Templars as a residence from the 12th century. After the order was dissolved, the building was transferred to the Knights of the Maltese Order. It is believed that the church acquired its current facade in the 13th century.

The dimly lit interior looks quite austere, with few decorations, the only notable one being a 15th-century crucifix. To the south of the church are the shelters where pilgrims once rested while traveling along the famous Via Francigena or <<the Frank Road>>.

Address: S. Pietro alla Magione, Via Camollia, Siena, Italy.

Interestingly, this vaulted room under the choir of the cathedral remained buried under all sorts of construction debris from the end of the 14th century until archaeologists accidentally discovered its wall paintings in 1999. Originally, it housed the entrance to the cathedral and a confessional.

Archaeologists managed to restore 180 square meters of painting in the style of pintura a secco (dry plaster painting) from the 13th century, covering the walls, columns, pilasters, capitals, and cornices of the room. Fortunately, this magnificence has managed to survive centuries of barbaric treatment.

Address: Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.

This oratory from the 15th century, located in the shadow of the vast Gothic Church of San Francesco and named after Saint Bernardino, gives all visitors a chance to view frescoes in the Mannerist style created by such masters as Il Sodoma, Domenico (di Pace) Beccafumi, and Girolamo del Pacchia.

Above, in a small diocesan museum of sacred art, some magnificent paintings hang, including <<Madonna and Child>> by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1340).

Address: Oratory of San Bernardino, Piazza San Francesco, Siena, Italy.

This three-story church from the 15th century was built on the site of Porta Fontegiusta - the old city gates. It was a kind of gratitude from the people to the Virgin Mary for the victory of the Sienese over the Florentines in the Battle of Poggio Imperiale (1479). Inside, to the right of the altar, you can see a painting by Francesco Vanni titled <<The Blessed Ambrogio Sansedoni Asks the Virgin Mary to Protect Siena>> (1590).

Address: Chiesa di Santa Maria in Portico a Fontegiusta, Siena, Italy.

This urban oasis is run by a social cooperative dealing with issues of support and employment for drug-dependent people and those with disabilities.

Here you will find a small vineyard with ancient varieties of trees, a cooperative organic farm supplying the garden restaurant with fruits and vegetables, domestic animals (geese, goats, ducks, and donkeys), and specific works of contemporary art.

Address: Orto dei pecci, Via Porta Giustizia, Siena, Italy.

If you haven't decided what to see in Siena yet, be sure to visit the observation platform of the unfinished New Duomo (Duomo Nuovo), from where you can see all the interesting sights the city has to offer. Climbing the narrow 131-step spiral staircase, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Siena from the most interesting panoramic viewpoint in the city. Access to the platform is included in the entrance fee to the museum of the Duomo, and entry is made through one of the upper floors of the museum.

Address: Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.

Palazzo Salimbeni is one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Siena. This majestic Gothic fortress from the 14th century was built for the family of wealthy Ghibelline merchants, the Salimbeni. Today, it houses the offices of Monte dei Paschi di Siena - one of the oldest banks in the world, so entrance for tourists is restricted.

Address: Palazzo Salimbeni, Siena, Italy.

The Baroque facade of this church was formed by 1613, but the church itself was built much earlier - in the 12th century. Inside, you will see works by Guido Reni and Domenico Beccafumi. Next to the church is an interesting Renaissance-style loggia - Logge del Papa.

Address: Chiesa di San Martino, Via del Porrione, Siena, Italy.

This massive Gothic structure with double lancet windows was built between 1205 and 1212 at the request of the Tolomei family, who amassed a fortune in banking. It now houses the main local branch of Banca Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze (also known as Banca CR Firenze).

Address: Palazzo Tolomei, Piazza Tolomei, Siena, Italy.

Built at the behest of Cosimo de' Medici in 1563, this fortified brick fortress served as a military barracks until the end of the 18th century when it was transformed into a city garden. It is now a popular relaxation spot, where locals come to unwind, stroll, or visit the underground enoteca to enjoy some excellent wine with friends. From the fortifications and bastions of the building, there are splendid panoramic views of the city.

Address: Fortezza Medicea, Piazza Caduti delle Forze Armate, Siena, Italy.