Ask anyone who has travelled through Tuscany, and they’ll likely tell you Siena is their favourite city in the region. There are many reasons for this: Siena is romantic, small, full of beautiful medieval buildings and less crowded than Florence – to name a few. Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Siena.
Siena has a very long history, dating back to the Etruscan era. The main development of the city happened in the Middle Ages. During that time, the city grew, and many of its most important buildings were built. Today, its unique urban skyline is visible from the hills that surround Siena; rich in monuments, palaces and churches, it is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.
It may not be as famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but the Torre del Mangia inside the Public Palace in Piazza del Campo is the most recognisable landmark in town. To reach the top of the tower, you have to climb 400 steps, but the views of the town and surrounding countryside are quite spectacular.
Generally speaking, Tuscans love to be outdoors. No town is more than a few minutes from the countryside, so if someone is tired of the chaos and crowds of the city, it’s very easy to spend some time in nature. In Siena, people love to stroll around the city centre’s streets and then go trekking in the nearby countryside.
Every Wednesday, it’s market day in Siena. The biggest market in Tuscany is held at La Lizza, an area near the old fortress, from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Vendors sell food, clothes and also souvenirs. Come here early in the morning, because the market gets more crowded as the day goes on.
