Siena

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Italy: Sienna

An October 1993 trip to Siena by kylebarber Best of IgoUgo

Il CampoMore Photos

The highlights of the beautiful Tuscan hill town of Siena.

  • 6 reviews
  • 4 photos

Italy: SiennaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Siena
There are many wonderful sights to see in Siena, but the true highlight is whole the medieval town has retained its character and spirit. The neighborhoods are still fiercely competitive with their Palio races in Il Campo. Modern families seem to relish the city's isolated location, keeping the world at arm's length. Even the museums' staff demonstrated a significant showing of civic pride in their town, which truly is a gem among the many spectacular cities of Tuscany.

Make sure to visit the Duomo of Siena, which is quite different from Il Duomo in Firenze. The Palazzo Publico is also noteworthy for the views of the surrounding countryside and the art displayed inside on its walls.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Once you arrive in Siena everything is navigable by foot. However, the hills are steep throughout town, so don't wear bad shoes and older folks should prepare themselves for an athletic day of hiking.

DuomoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Duomo
This black and white striped cathedral was begun in 1215, the work of many Sienese and Tuscan artists. The inevitable Pisano once again was involved with designing a duomo, this time by helping to produce the church's facade as well as another amazing pulpit, perhaps greater than the pulpit on display in Pisa's Duomo. Some statues by Michelangelo and Donatello are also on display.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 11, 2000

Duomo
Piazza del Duomo Siena, Italy 53100

Museo dell'Opera del DuomoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Adjacent to the cathedral is this small museum featuring works recovered from or originally intended for display in the duomo. Our group passed through the building quickly as little caught our attention, but caught a few interesting perspectives of Siena below through the narrow windows placed high above in the building.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 11, 2000

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo Siena, Italy

San DomenicoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This large church is hard to miss when parking near the Stadio Communale, but size doesn't necessarily make San Domenico a must see attraction. The interior felt empty and cold, and the artwork by the likes of Martini and Lorezetti didn't catch my attention at all. There is a somewhat interesting crypt, but your time is better spent checking out the Duomo at length.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 11, 2000

San Domenico
Piazza San Domenico Siena, Italy

Palazzo PublicoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Palazzo Publico
The 13th century Palazzo Publico, otherwise known as Town Hall, towers over the Piazza del Campo. Still home to Siena's town officials, it's a pretty impressive building that also houses an interesting art museum, Museo Civico, in case you haven't seen enough frescoes yet. I remember some of the allegorical artwork in that museum to be particularly creepy, but it was fun wandering around this huge castle.

Though I can't remember the name of it, there is a nice little restaurant behind the Palazzo Publico that is worth checking out. Both times I ate there the food was great and the service was quick! Amazing!!

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 11, 2000

Palazzo Publico
Piazza del Campo Siena, Italy

Il CampoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Il Campo
The round, slanted town square seems rather dramatic after hiking around Firenze and seeing simple piazzas that shadow underneath the imposing architectural wonders above. Il Campo truly seems like a meeting place for the small hillside town of Siena, and sitting at one of the cafes that line the circular piazza and sipping on a cool beverage is a great way to pass a few hours in this beautiful, sleepy little town.

The piazza's Fonte Gaia fountain is apparently a replica of one that was built in the 15th century. Lots of foot traffic from locals and tourists occur here, making for great people watching. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like during the Palio horse races that occur twice a year, where competing neighborhoods sponsor horses to race around the piazza and win at whatever cost necessary.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 11, 2000

Il Campo
Piazza del Campo Siena, Italy

About the Writer

kylebarber
kylebarber
Seattle, Washington

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