Siena

Romantic Renaissance

Surrounded by rolling hills and Chianti vineyards, Siena shines as a jewel of the Tuscan Renaissance, and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the famous Palio di Siena horse race, catch the pulse of the city at Piazza del Campo, visit the beautiful Duomo cathedral…and fall in love with this charming city!

Founded by Etruscans around 900 BC, the city was first conquered by Romans and later by Lombards. The Middle Ages saw it becoming the independent and flourishing Republic of Siena, until its annexation to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The economic difficulties that followed turned out to be a blessing for the preservation of its historic center. Adorned with frescoes by Ghirlandaio and bass-reliefs by Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Jacopo della Quercia, the Duomo represents the highest expression of this well-kept legacy. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, with the Palazzo Pubblico and the Gaia Fountain, is still the heart and soul of the city. Follow the labyrinth of narrow streets and passages that irradiate from there and you will be enchanted by its romantic atmosphere from ancient times.

The closest airports are Peretola Airport in Florence and Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa, though Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna is also well connected. While planning your trip, don’t forget to check out the Siena accommodations deals on Booking.com!