Walking in the center of Siena: what to do and what to see

Siena and the art of beauty

Siena attracts hundreds of visitors and tourists with its art and charm of its secular traditions: it is famous for the popular Palio and encloses among the walls of the historic center some of the most representative treasures of medieval history in Italy. Its monuments were included among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1995; in fact, the city is warm, cozy and intimate in its alleys, while it explodes in the regality of its most impressive architectural works, such as the Duomo or Piazza del Campo. Siena is the ideal destination for short stays marked by walks full of countless opportunities, particularly in the area between the main square and the Duomo, where the monuments and attractions of major interest are to be found.

Walking around Siena in the ancient heart of Tuscany

As the inscription on Porta Camollia says, “Siena makes your heart bigger”: thus the heart of Tuscany is revealed to the visitor in the central and majestic Piazza del Campo, the ideal starting point for a stroll through history and myth. This square is the location of the culmination of the events linked to the Palio di Siena, the so-called Carriera: it is a peculiar horse race among the different city squares. The competition is held twice a year, July 2 and August 16. On the square you can see the imposing Palazzo Comunale and the superb Torre del Mangia from which, once you reach the 87 meters high top floor, you enjoy an exceptional view of the city and the sublime surrounding countryside. The visit can now go on to another landmark of Siena: the majestic Piazza del Duomo, overlooked by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most outstanding examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Unmistakable, thanks to its white and dark green marble, it houses several masterpieces of Donatello, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio.

Siena, a people-oriented city

Thanks to its central location, Siena can be easily reached by car or train; the public bus network will allow you to reach the center while the station is out of the urban area. It should also be remembered that the access to the city center is forbidden to private traffic and consequently internal transfers can only take place on foot or by public transport. Despite the high number of tourists, the city and its streets are easily accessible and walking is really the best way to appreciate the timeless beauty of these places or to enjoy quality shopping in the markets and stores of the center. The Relais degli Angeli is located in the heart of Siena’s city center, in an ancient palace just a short walk from Piazza del Campo: a privileged location that will make your stay even more comfortable.