101 wonders and more in Siena

Siena travel blog

Siena's landscape is constantly changing and every street hides pleasant surprises: discover them in every article of the official Siena travel blog.

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 the surrounding its 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

cit. Lonely Planet

Siena Awards Photo Festival

Siena Awards

Visual arts festival returns to Siena, Sovicille and Chiusdino from Sept. 30 to Nov. 19

A fantastic new edition of the international photography festival and this year will fully embrace the surrounding area. L’ abbey of San Galgano will in fact be the evocative stage for the collective of the Drone Photo Awards.

The Siena Awards, draws to Siena internationally renowned talents of photography.

From Sept. 30 to Nov. 19, the program offers a rich series of exhibitions and meetings that reinforce the festival as a fall event of global significance, with confirmations and new arrivals.

The 2023 edition features William Albert Allard, celebrated with a retrospective devoted to his 50-year contribution to National Geographic, and Brian Skerry, experienced photojournalist and film producer specializing in the exploration of marine life and underwater ecosystems. They will be joined by the Siena Awards collectives, an annual tradition celebrating the three photography awards, with images and videos from every corner of the globe: “Siena International Photo Awards,” “Creative Photo Awards” e “Drone Photo Awards.” the latter set in an exceptional location : the Abbey of San Galgano.

With a well-established formula that expands beyond the city limits, the visual arts festival also aims to enliven the town of Sovicille and, for the first time, will reach Chiusdino.

The two major players of 2023. The retrospective of William Albert Allard, a pioneer of color photography, bears the title “Five Decades, A Retrospective“, narrating half a century of contributions to National Geographic as a writer and photographer, always looking for “what happens at the margins,” combining beauty, mystery and an adventurous spirit. While the exhibition of Brian Skerry, “The Sensible Sea, tells a visual story through images collected during years of exploration in the oceans, places of extraordinary beauty and profound enigma, but also of challenges and hopes. Since 1998, Skerry has been a photographer for National Geographic Magazine, documenting stories in every corner of the planet and in almost every ocean habitat.

The Pass Ticket for all exhibitions of the Siena Awards Photo Festival 2023 includes:

  • Five decades: solo exhibition of William Albert Allard – Sovicille, “La Tinaia”

  • The sentient sea: solo exhibition of Brian Skerry- Siena, Accademia dei Fisiocritici

  • People Sharing all the world: group exhibition of the “Siena International Photo Awards”- Siena, former distilleries “lo Stellino”

  • Who knows if I can: group exhibitions from “Creative Photo Awards”- Siena, Magazzini del Sale

  • Ameriguns: solo exhibition of Gabriele Galimberti- Siena, Accademia dei Rozzi

  • Chiusdino Creative: open-air exhibition on the walls of the medieval village of Chiusdino

  • Above us only Sky: the most beautiful images of the “Drone Photo Awards”- Chiusdino, Abbey of S. Galgano

  • Sovicille Creative: outdoor exhibition in the charming alleys of Sovicille

  • Spirits of the Forest: Ekaterina Starovoytova- Siena, Camollia Green Area 85

For information and updates on the Siena Awards, you can visit www.sienawards.com and follow the social channels on Facebook, sienawards; Instagram, @sienawards; Twitter, Siena Awards; and YouTube, Siena Awards.


 

Explore the wonders of Siena

Siena Awards Photo Festival

Visual arts festival returns to Siena, Sovicille and Chiusdino from Sept. 30 to Nov. 19 A fantastic new edition of

Calici di Stelle a Siena

Goblets of Stars in Siena

An emotional journey of wine and culture on the most anticipated night of the summer, that of St. Lawrence On

Siena Summer festival

Siena Summer Festival

The Siena Summer Festival continues in the name of fun and lightheartedness in the beautiful setting of the Medici Fortress

Events of August 2023

Find out all there is to do in August in Siena The month of August is perfect for planning a

The July 2 Palio in Siena

Program and practical advice The Palio of Siena is an integral part of the history of the city and the

The water museum

An itinerary to discover the ancient spoils of Siena The Siena Water Museum, opened in 2010 and recently restored, is

July Events in Siena 2023

Siena is a city that enchants visitors with its unique atmosphere, and at no other time is it more lively

Siena summer festival 2023

Siena Summer Festival 2023

An Unforgettable Summer of Music, Performances and Culture in the picturesque Medici Fortress What to do in Siena this summer?

Hunting for panoramas in Siena

A city where one moment you are surrounded by towering medieval buildings and the next moment, simply turning the corner,

Hidden corners in Siena

The historic center of Siena is a place rich in history and culture, with numerous hidden treasures and details that

eventi-giugno

June 2023 events in Siena

Summer comes and brings with ité enthusiasm and a desire to have fun. June is a vibrant and fascinating month

Eventi Maggio 2023

Events May 2023

Spring has now blossomed in Siena, spreading the enchanting scent of flowers and the desire to spend time outdoors. May’s

Pavimento Biblioteca Piccolomini

Geometries and textures

The architecture of the historic center of Siena is undoubtedly something extraordinary: starting with the splendid Piazza del Campo with

scultura orto dei Pecci

Something different

Beautiful, beautiful Siena. Surely in your collection of travel shots you have captured extraordinary places; it is easy to find

visionari di Emanuele Giannelli

VISIONARIES by Emanuele Giannelli

The famous artist’s impressive sculptures arrive in Siena From April 7 to June 16, 2023, the city of Siena becomes

cioco si

CIOCOSI Siena

The great artisan chocolate festival returns The great artisan chocolate exhibition-market returns to Siena. From March 21 to 26, Piazza

siena in shots

Siena in scatti

Hunting for the perfect photo. Discover the most beautiful and special places in Siena and participate in Visit Siena’s photo

April 2023 Events

The perfect month to experience the city Are you planning to spend a few days in Siena in April? Great

March 2023 Events

In March, Siena welcomes spring with a month of events! If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, there are many

Why go to Siena?

6 reasons why you must visit this city. Siena is a medieval city steeped in history, rich in art and

What to eat in Siena?

Find out what dishes to enjoy on your trip to Siena Today, we will take you on a journey to

What is Siena famous for?

Check out the top attractions and all the unmissable experiences Siena deserves to be visited thoroughly because every corner is

Tips for responsible travel

Do you want to take a break from your busy everyday life? A few days in Siena, the medieval city

Bastione Sound Filippo

From 16 December to 7 January 2023, the San Filippo Bastion of Siena’s Medici Fortress will come alive with a

Wildlife in Siena: useful tips

Siena and its province are densely populated with wildlife. Driving on the suburban and urban roads of the province, it’s

Siena Sustainability Capital

Siena becomes Italy’s Sustainability Capital by hosting the first leg of #InsiemepergliSDG2022, a campaign to raise awareness of sustainability issues

Siena is a bee-friendly municipality

From 3 November 2021, Siena will join the ‘Comuni Amici delle Api’, a bee-friendly initiative which was created as part

Olives in the land of Siena

The journey from tree to mill. A favourable climate, fertile soils and skilled hands make Tuscan extra virgin olive oil

Siena’s oil

The green gold of the Sienese hills. Olive growing in the extra virgin olive oil production area of Terre di

Urban Trekking

A new tourism trend. The National Urban Trekking Day has become a fixed event on Siena’s calendar every year. On

Village of Murlo

The blood of the Etruscans endures to the present day. The town of Murlo, surrounded by beautiful walls made of

Sienese Wines

The heritage of Sienese wines is known worldwide. A glass of red is a must on every Tuscan table. If

Vinsanto

Discovering one of the oldest symbols of Tuscan hospitality. Vinsanto is a sweet and precious wine because its preparation requires

Via Lauretana

A spiritual route that runs through Siena and has led to Loreto for centuries… Via Lauretana traces an Etruscan-Roman route

Asciano

The heart of the Crete Senesi Asciano is a village nestled in the famous Crete Senesi area which has been

Sienese ribollita

The traditional peasant dish Sienese ribollita originally began as a poor man’s dish. A bread-based stew packed with ingredients and

Why hold a conference in Siena

6 reasons to choose Siena to hold your business event Why is Siena the perfect setting for a MICE event?

Pan co’ Santi

The bread that smells like autumn As soon as autumn begins, walking through the alleys of Siena’s old town, you

Black crostini

Traditional Sienese appetizer Crostini are almost always served at the beginning of a typical Sienese lunch or dinner. Delicious slices

Market in Piazza del Campo

The arts, crafts and delicacies of Siena’s ‘grand market’ have enlivened Piazza del Campo since the Middle Ages. As per

Handicrafts in Siena

Art cities like Siena tell their story primarily through their historical and artistic masterpieces, but a city is a living

Historic workshops

Witness the history of Siena Siena is one of the best-known examples of a medieval village for its exceptional Piazza

The Masgalano

Coveted prize won by the most elegant performers in both historical parades. On the day of the Palio di Siena,

The winner’s Drappellone

The prize for the triumphant Contrada in Piazza del Campo in Siena The Drappellone, also called ‘Palio’ or ‘Cencio’ by

Via Francigena urban route

Historically, when we speak of Via Francigena or Vie Francigene, we mean a group of roads that in medieval times

Sienese cured meats

Among Siena’s exquisite food and wine specialities, you cannot miss the Sienese cured meats! The appetizer of any self-respecting lunch

Sienese specialities

Siena is a city that has much to offer in terms of food and wine. In this land of excellent

Guidoriccio

Located in the World Map Room of Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico, Guidoriccio pictorially celebrates the siege and conquest of the Castle

Sienese reds

Along churches and palaces, you will find some of the world’s most famous red wines in Siena… A territory of

Typical Sienese sweets

Discovering traditional Sienese confectionery Walking the streets of Siena, there is no shortage of temptations. At pastry shops and bakeries

Views from Loggia dei Nove

Loggia dei Nove is one of the most amazing viewpoints in the city of Siena! Hidden within the walls of

Inside Siena Cathedral

The Cathedral of Siena is one of the most outstanding examples of an Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. It’s one of the

Piazza del Campo

Symbol of the city of Siena Beautiful, stunning Piazza del Campo! It’s the universal symbol of Siena with its distinctive

Steps of Via di Val di Montone

Before arriving at Porta Romana, one of the oldest gates in the city walls of Siena, the steps of Via

The green valleys

In Siena’s old town, nature and the city intertwine in unexpected ways… Not only pietra serena stone, alleys, and walls,

The Walls of Siena

Like an embrace, for centuries the walls of Siena have encircled and protected the city… A testament to the city’s

Vicolo di Finimondo

The Sienese alley where the world ends On the square in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit, on

Underground Siena

The tale of the city from its origins to the Middle Ages The Underground Siena tour takes place within Santa

Fontanine di Contrada

In Siena every citizen is baptized twice: in the church and then in the contrada to which they belong… with

The Corso in the evening

Siena in the evening after sunset is imbued with a magical atmosphere! The last lights caressing the alleys and historic

The Hall of Count Chigi

The precious hall of the historic Palazzo Chigi-Saracini in Siena Palazzo Chigi Saracini is a place that embodies music, art

Via Duprè

007 film set Via Duprè is located in the area of Terzo di Città where it crosses the Contrada dell’Onda

The chapel in Piazza del Campo

In Piazza del Campo, which is the centre of political power in Siena, there’s also a corner of faith and

The Sator

A mystery waiting to be solved hidden among the stones of Siena Cathedral If you like to solve mysteries… Siena

Palazzo senza Scale

Sometimes behind the most unassuming door, we find an unexpected world. This is what we find in Palazzo Vestri, in

Rocca Salimbeni

A treasure that can be explored only 3 times a year The Salimbeni were a Sienese family of great political

Via del Poggio

The ancient shortcut to Siena Cathedral Go up Via di Monna Agnese, Via delle Campane and meet Via del Poggio,

View from the Orti de’ Tolomei

A romantic walk amidst greenery in the historic centre of Siena. A few steps away from the architectural complex of

Castellare degli Ugurgieri

Castellare degli Ugurgieri is a fortress-house located in the historic centre of Siena between Via San Vigilio and Via Angiolieri.

University of Siena

Sienese example of research and innovation The University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in the world. A

Chiasso del Bargello

A picture perfect frame of Piazza del Campo A steep alley descends from Via di Città into Piazza del Campo

Palazzo Chigi Zondadari

Palazzo Chigi Zondadari is located in the heart of Siena, in the picturesque Piazza del Campo. Built in 1724, it’s

Pilgrim’s Hall

A majestic cycle of 15th-century frescoes in the ancient hospital of Siena In the frescoes of Pilgrim’s Hall (Sala del

State Archive

It safeguards the historical documents of Siena’s public bodies. The State Archive of Siena is located in Via Banchi di

Fonte del Casato

The secret spring among the houses of Siena. Along via del Casato di Sotto, just a few steps from Piazza

Logge della Mercanzia

Behind Piazza del Campo, a beautiful loggia marks the transition between the Middle Ages and the Sienese Renaissance… Just behind

Basilica dei Servi

A place of history and sacred art in the historic centre of Siena. The full name of the basilica is

The Basilica of San Francesco

An imposing church that has undergone many transformations over time. The Basilica di San Francesco is located in Piazza San

Piccolomini Library

Raphael’s ideas and Pinturicchio’s frescoes inside Siena Cathedral. The Piccolomini Library is a monumental room inside Siena Cathedral. Located along

Palazzo Pubblico in Siena

A symbol of the political power of the city of Siena for 700 years. Palazzo Pubblico in Siena (also known

Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena

The world’s most significant collection of the 14th and 15th-century Sienese masters. The Pinacoteca Nazionale art gallery in Siena is

Victory flag-waving

The final act of the historical procession of the Palio di Siena. The victory flag-waving is the final act of

The Contrade of Siena

A social place and symbol of belonging for the Sienese. The term ‘contrada’ appears in Sienese sources as early as

Collegiate of Provenzano

Four hundred years of faith and history in the centre of Siena. Places of faith are notoriously linked to the

Torre del Mangia

Symbol of Siena The Torre del Mangia is one of the most famous towers in Tuscany, symbol and pride of

Palazzo Sansedoni

With a dominant position on Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Sansedoni is one of the greatest examples of 14th-century architecture. It’s

Santa Maria della Scala in Siena

From ancient hospital to important Sienese museum. Santa Maria della Scala is a monumental complex located in the heart of

The Cathedral floor

One of Siena’s most beautiful wonders, uncovered from after the August Palio to autumn. Inside the cathedral unparalleled great works

Cathedral crypt

Discovered by chance recently, it houses splendid paintings by the greatest exponents of the Sienese school. The crypt of Siena

The relics of Constantinople

Inside Santa Maria della Scala there is a golden treasure from the Orient… On 24th April 1359 Friar Andrea di

Courtyard of the Podestà

One of the most picturesque places in Siena. The imposing Palazzo Pubblico stands on Piazza del Campo and inside it

Logge del Papa

A monumental loggia, symbol of the papal power of Pius II The Logge del Papa (Lodges of the Pope) with

Church of San Giorgio

The Battle of Montaperti had and still has many traces throughout the city of Siena. To give thanks for the

La Madonna del Corvo

One of the most famous and legendary tabernacles in Siena. Strolling through the historic centre of Siena, keeping your eyes

Vicolo degli orefici

A charming alleyway that preserves the echo of an ancient art and perhaps also the Via Francigena… and a chilling

Via di Città

One of the most beautiful central roads in Siena. Via di Città follows on from the Corso, slightly uphill. It’s

Fonte Gaia

The jewel of Piazza del Campo in Siena At the top of Piazza del Campo is the city’s most important

Botanical Gardens

A green valley within the walls of the city of Siena. The gardens are located near Porta Tufi and are

Torre Marescotti

Just like San Gimignano, tall towers once watched over Siena… Dominance, prestige, power. Towers have always been a symbol of

Chapel and Madonna of the Vow

The Sienese devotion to the Madonna has a long and fascinating history… You may be surprised to learn that in

Risorgimento Hall

A room in Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico commemorates the first king of unified Italy. Although Siena is a city with strong

The Biccherne Museum in Siena

True works of art that held the financial records of the Sienese republic. The term ‘Biccherna‘ originates from the name

View from Camporegio

Siena’s most incredible viewpoint Via Camporegio offers the most spectacular views of the city. Below the Basilica of San Domenico,

Civic Museum of Siena

Inside the Palazzo Pubblico a space to admire the wonders of art. Housed on the first floor of the Palazzo

The Campanone

“A bronze sound drops from the tower: the parade continues amid drums beating to the glory of the Contrade… and

Vicolo delle Carrozze

One of the most unique alleys in Siena. There’s a place in Siena that was banned from the public for

The ancient underground aqueducts

The ancient aqueduct is a labyrinth of canals dug under the city of Siena. The term ‘buctinus’ probably refers to

Facciatone

The most beautiful lookout in Siena. On 23 August 1339, the Great General Council of the Campana officially sanctioned the

Via del Refe Nero

Siena, a city where the Middle ages live on… Severed heads, devils, cages hanging from the walls of buildings… no,

Teatro dei Rozzi

A small, charming theatre that has hosted performances and concerts in Siena for centuries. Beyond the monuments that have made

Accademia dei Rozzi

One of the historic Sienese academies that has been promoting theatre, music and culture in Siena since the 16th century.

Synagogue

Jewish worship centre in the heart of Siena The Synagogue is a splendid example of neoclassical architecture that was founded

Biblioteca Comunale degli Intronati

One of the oldest cultural institutions in the city of Siena. The Historical Room of the Biblioteca Comunale degl Intronati

The Gate of Heaven

Exploring the ‘roof’ of Siena Cathedral. The Gate of Heaven opens to visitors as if they were ascending the ladder

Cinta Senese pigs

A wonderful product of ancient origin. Cinta Senese is a hardy breed of pig, which was probably already bred in

Sienese ceramics

An ancient Sienese tradition handed down from generation to generation. While strolling around Siena, passing by Via di Città, don’t

Teatro dei Rinnovati

Over seven centuries of history linked to Siena and the Sienese Built in 1343, today’s Teatro dei Rinnovati theatre was

Magazzini del Sale

A unique space hidden in the basement of the Palazzo Pubblico. Inside Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico is an extraordinary exhibition space

Palazzo delle Papesse

A palace of papal lineage that today houses the Centre for Contemporary Art in Siena. Along Via di Città, a

The Cathedral’s facade

Two artists at work to complete the great Sienese project. Siena Cathedral’s facade is in white marble with the red

Magione Church

Templar mysteries and secrets in one of the oldest churches in Siena. The ‘Poor Fellow-at-Arms of Christ and the Temple

Castelvecchio

Discover the mythical place where the city of Siena was founded according to tradition. There are many legends circulating about

History of the Palio

This is how the famous Sienese tradition originated The word palio derives from the Latin ‘pallium’ meaning drape. In the

Contrada museums

History and traditions of the people of Siena. The city of Siena is historically divided into 17 contrade (neighbourhoods), which

Contrada stables

The stable is a sacred place where the horse is kept during the Palio of Siena. The Palio is four

The Palio di Siena festival

Sacred and profane blend together and ancient traditions are revived in the streets of Siena. The events that mark the

Duccio di Buoninsegna

The masterpiece of the Sienese artist Duccio di Buoninsegna is not only one of the greatest representatives of the 14th-century

Baptistery of San Giovanni

One of the most iconic examples of 15th-century Sienese painting The Baptistery of San Giovanni, located in the square of

Galluzza arches

The street of the Sienese dyers Via della Galluzza is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and picturesque alleys in

Fontebranda

The oldest fountain in Siena Fontebranda is Siena’s most famous medieval fountain, located in Terzo di Camollia area, within the

The relics of St Catherine

The head and finger of the Sienese saint are on display in the Basilica of San Domenico Lapa Piacenti, the

The Basilica of San Domenico

A very important church for Siena, closely linked to the life of St Catherine The Basilica of San Domenico stands

Medici Fortress of Siena

Built, destroyed and rebuilt, the Medici fortress has lived through both military and civil events from the 16th century to