Porta Camollia gate and Fortino delle donne fort
The Sienese gate facing Florence, a place of clashes and historical battles. Porta Camollia is
June 20, 2022
Siena is a municipality in Tuscany, capital of the province of the same name and head of the territory Terre di Siena (lands of Siena).
It’s located in the hinterland of central Tuscany, about 75 km from Florence, 125 km from Pisa and 70 km from Arezzo. Siena is one of Tuscany’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. San Gimignano, Pienza and the picturesque Val D’Orcia, all in the province of Siena, are also on the list.
If you want to sleep in Siena you will find several solutions including hotels and B&Bs both in the centre and outside the walls as well as farmhouses and rural houses in the beautiful Sienese countryside.
Living in the old town of the city of the Palio, you are surrounded by traditions, folklore and legends. A stay in a B&B in town becomes a high-level cultural experience in all respects because you will be able to appreciate the history of Siena from morning to evening, ‘hidden’ in the neighbourhood workshops, in the main tourist attractions that embrace the heart of the old town, in the taverns and the local craft workshops.
In the centre, visitors can stay overnight in various accommodation options for all budgets, including hotels and B&Bs. However, it’s not ideal for those travelling by car as, like all medieval cities, Siena boasts a labyrinth of narrow streets, dead-end alleys, scarce parking, and extensive restricted traffic zones. Those looking for a relaxing, comfort-focused holiday will have to book a hotel facility outside the walls, where the average price is lower than in the centre. Don’t miss the agritourisms immersed in nature among the picturesque Sienese hills. There is a vast list of offerings from simple and essential accommodations to luxury hotels with spas and designer furnishings.
Public transport in Siena
How do you get around in the city centre? On foot, of course. Siena is an enchanting city where time seems to stand still. Because of this (and to maintain its appearance) the old town is entirely pedestrianised. Therefore, private cars cannot access it.
The only means of transport allowed is Pollicino, the minibus designed for narrow streets that passes through any part of the city and it’s very cheap.
Alternatively, but only for travel outside the old town, there are city buses, from morning to evening: 14 routes are available to tourists. There’s also an on-call service called Buxi, which doesn’t have fixed routes because it’s determined based on demand.
Siena station is located about 2 km from the city centre.
If you are coming from the north, direct trains leave from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence.
If you are coming from the south, in addition to Chiusi, there is a direct connection to Siena from Grosseto station.
There are bus connections mainly from Florence, Rome, Bologna and Milan.
For travel information check the Flixbus routes.
For those coming from the north, drive along Raccordo Autostradale Siena-Firenze, which can be reached from the A1 by taking the Firenze Certosa exit.
For those coming from the south, take the A1 towards Florence, and take the Valdichiana exit. To get to Siena, take the Raccordo Autostradale Siena-Bettolle.
For those coming from Grosseto, drive along the Strada Statale Siena-Grosseto.
Sustainable tourism and slow travel are the two focuses of a new social and cultural movement inspiring Siena.
Chianti classico with its almost entirely organic cultivation; Via Francigena, an evocative itinerary of idyllic beauty in the Sienese countryside; Treno Natura, the steam locomotive that takes you on an unusually slow journey among the wonders of Siena; and then the winding and scenic routes away from the highway.
These are just some of the icons of this new approach to tourism: this is how Siena reimagines a new, more ethical and socially responsible way of travelling.
Have you ever tasted our zero-kilometre products?
Discover hiking, family activities, relaxation, sports and food and wine tourism as well.
‘The poetic combination of gentle slopes, sun-drenched vineyards and rows of cypress trees is complemented by the superb artistic heritage of the territory of Siena and the surrounding valleys. The area boasts no less than four UNESCO sites (Siena, San Gimignano, Val d’Orcia, Pienza), on top of countless charming villages, medieval abbeys and ancient strongholds. Contemporary art is also booming, especially in Val d’Elsa.
Chianti, the stretch of land between Florence and Siena, is a meeting place of poetry and nature. A small enchanted world where white roads cross green hills and lead to the discovery of villages, fairytale castles and solitary abbeys surrounded by vineyards The landscape is constantly changing and every street hides pleasant surprises.’
On 31 March 2022, the end of the state of emergency from COVID-19 was declared throughout Italy. As a result, as of 1 April 2022, a series of provisions are in effect throughout the country aimed at facilitating the return to normality. In Siena, the situation is constantly monitored extensively and specific protocols are applied in public places to ensure the health of all.
As of 1 May 2022, a green pass is no longer required to access activities and services. As of 30 September, it’s no longer mandatory to wear FFP2 masks in local, regional and interregional public transportation. It’s still recommended to wear respiratory protective equipment in all indoor places that are public or open to the public.
Museums, cinemas, theatres and other cultural venues are open and operate under specific guidelines. Restaurants, bars, and bakeries are also open to the public and perform their services following the relevant protocols. As of 1 May, a green pass or green certification is no longer required to access the places mentioned above.
The Sienese gate facing Florence, a place of clashes and historical battles. Porta Camollia is
Built, destroyed and rebuilt, the Medici fortress has lived through both military and civil events
A very important church for Siena, closely linked to the life of St Catherine The
The head and finger of the Sienese saint are on display in the Basilica of
The oldest fountain in Siena Fontebranda is Siena’s most famous medieval fountain, located in Terzo
The street of the Sienese dyers Via della Galluzza is undoubtedly one of the most
