Siena Holidays

In the Chianti region of Tuscany, medieval Siena boasts a rich historic legacy, fashionable restaurants, chic boutiques, elegant town houses, and great views from its delightful setting across three hill tops. More restful than Florence and Venice, Siena boasts a great artistic heritage providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. Siena holidays are the perfect choice of destination for a leisurely city break.

Founded by the Etruscans and then colonised by the Romans, Siena, in contrast to Florence’s strict Roman city plan of urban organisation, features haphazard, traffic-free streets straggling up towards ridges of three hilltops. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site the city boasts fantastic gothic and medieval architecture alongside galleries displaying classic and Renaissance art there is an abundance of places to visit on holidays in Siena. The glorious surrounding area also offers visitors on Siena holidays something special with numerous charming hill towns nearby.

Dominating the heart of the city is the immense Piazza del Campo: divided into nine fan-shaped sections, this square is a medieval representation of the governmental body known as the Council of Nine. Nowadays ‘Il Campo’ is famed as the location of the world -renowned, and thrilling, Palio horse racing. Held in twice a year in July and August it is definitely worth enjoying if on holidays in Siena at that time.

Cuisine

Gastronomy must feature highly on any Tuscan visitor’s agenda, and Sienese cuisine is sure to delight with its combination of succulent flavours and intense aromas. There’s local wild boar sausage, traditional pici pasta, a thick hand rolled pasta served with various sauces, and delicious roasted and grilled meats; all complemented by excellent local Chianti and Brunello wines.

When to visit

With a moderate climate, it is comfortable to visit at any time of the year, and although it can be very hot during July and August the hillsides offer cooler temperatures with fresher breezes. Winters are chilly, but rarely cold, spring is delightful, and autumn although slightly damper is pleasantly mild.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena is famed for its art and around Piazza del Campo stands the town hall, Palazzo Pubblico, housing the Museo Civico featuring Renaissance frescoes and Lorenzetti’s medieval Allegory of Good and Bad Government.

Visiting the gorgeous gardens of La Foce is one of the most charming things to do in Siena. These gardens are complimented by a backdrop of the stunning Tuscan countryside and the estate villa has a pleasant restaurant with a menu of Tuscan specialities and great wine, allowing you to dine in style amongst beautiful surroundings.

The delightful Duomo, or the Siena Cathedral, is a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture with its boldly patterned black and white marble façade, houses the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana with sacred works by Pisano and the Maesta altarpiece. For those visiting, this is a must to include on your things to do in Siena. Siena’s Pinacoteca Nazionale art gallery displays works ranging from the 12th century to the Renaissance.

Nearby, to the north and west are numerous scenic hill towns in the Val d’Elsa region, including the tiny town of Monteriggione with its 14 towers and fortified walls. Slightly further afield are San Gimignano, with its famous towers and turreted houses, and Volterra which holds some of the region’s most impressive Etruscan ruins.

Palio Horse Races

Siena is world-renowned for its twice-a-year Palio horse race staged in Il Campo on 2 July and 16 August. Completely filling the square with spectators, jockeys, representing 10 of the 17 contrade, neighbourhoods, of Siena, race bareback: the winning rider and their contrada enjoying year-long celebrations in honour of their special status. Should you be visiting during the races spectating is by far the most exciting of all the things to do in Siena.