Siena

A beautifully preserved medieval city built on three hills, Siena rivals Florence in art and culture. Its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is one of Europe's greatest public squares.

Things to do

• Watch the Palio horse race — Held twice a year in July and August — book accommodation months ahead.
• Visit the Siena Cathedral — Don't miss the intricate marble inlaid floor revealed seasonally.
• Climb Torre del Mangia — The tower offers sweeping views over the city and countryside.
• Explore the Museo Civico — See Ambrogio Lorenzetti's famous medieval frescoes on good governance.
• Wander the medieval streets — Each neighborhood (contrada) has its own symbol, museum, and fountain.

Food to try

• Pici al ragù — Thick hand-rolled pasta with a rich meat sauce, a Sienese staple.
• Panforte — A dense, spiced fruit and nut cake that originated in Siena centuries ago.
• Ricciarelli — Soft almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar, a traditional Sienese sweet.
• Pappa al pomodoro — A simple Tuscan tomato and bread soup, rustic and deeply satisfying.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the contrade — Each city district has fierce local pride — asking which contrada someone belongs to is a great conversation starter.
• Piazza del Campo picnics — Sitting on the sloping piazza is a local tradition, but avoid eating restaurant food outside designated areas.
• Quiet hours matter — Siena is a living city — keep noise down in residential areas, especially in the afternoon.