10 essentials: what to see and not to be missed in Siena in 1 day

With a tourist trip through Italian Tuscany should not be missing Siena visit.

The prestige of Florence as the maximum expression of the art of Renacimiento, and the popularity of Pisa, due to its famous leaning tower, can lead you to prejudge Siena like a second order visit…but I assure you that it is not like that.

What's more, I tell you that Siena It can become the great discovery in your trip through Tuscany, with the ease and that you can meet it in one one day visit.

It is a city whose origins date back to the time of the etruscans (since 900 years BC), and after the occupation of the Romans, it forged its maximum splendor as Republic of Siennaa between the 12th and 13th centuries.

The best things to see and do when visiting Siena

After the disappearance of said republic in 1555, currently when you visit Sienas you will be able to see an urban configuration and monuments from its heyday during the XNUMXth century, such as the famous Piazza del Campo and Duomo.

Next, after discovering this very beautiful city during my last trip through Italian Tuscany, I suggest you what is essential to see and do in Siena, city ​​that you can visit in one day.

Basilica of San Domenico, Gothic church in Siena

The ancient medieval city is distributed across one of the three hills where Siena is located and is an area of ​​pedestrian streets where you cannot access by car.

Si you arrive in Siena by car, you go to the center of the city and there you can park on the road that surrounds the fortress and its gardens, or in the parking lot located under the steps of the Communal Stadium, all of them paid.

When you arrive at the stadium, you will undoubtedly be struck by a high-rise church building; It's about the church of st. Domenico.

Built from the 13th century, it is one of the most important churches in Siena which little by little acquired the Gothic style.

Of course, don't think of a building similar in style to the spectacular French, English or Spanish Gothic cathedrals. Quite the contrary, its exterior with high brick walls shows great sobriety.

With a single central nave, inside you will see various chapels and altars.

Thus, on each side of the High altar There are three chapels, and on the side walls you find several altars with numerous artistic works.

Next to the church you have a park with a gazebo from where you can see the beautiful image of the old houses medieval city of Siena crowned by the figure of the Duomo.

Via Bianchi di Sopra, axis of the historic center of Siena

Once you go down the narrow street that takes you to the hill that you have seen in front, you must then go up until you reach the Via Bianchi di Sopra, which together with the Via de la Citta, make up the axis of the medieval city.

Walking along this street you will find a great commercial and tourist atmosphere, and you can also see several palatial buildings.

Salimbeni Square in Siena

The first highlight on this walk through Siena is going to be the small Salimbeni Square, where among other buildings is the Salimbeni palace, and in the center of which you will find a statue.

Piazza del Campo, Plaza Mayor and headquarters of the Palio Festival

On your walk through Via Bianchi di Soprto towards him Siena Duomo, soon, on the left, you will find an arch with a passage that will take you to the Piazza del Campo, one of the essential places on your visit.

The reason is obvious because it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe...and I assure you that you will be impressed by its monumentality.

This square is where the spectacular horse race known as Palio Festival.

This event is celebrated every year on July 2 and August 16, and is one of the most important historical festivals in Italy.

It dates back to the 15th century, and commemorates a battle that the Temples had with the Florentines in the 12th century.

In this impressive square of incredible beauty, the very high Mangia Tower of the Public Palace and Gaia Fountain.

You can visit the interior of the Public Palace and, also, climb to the top of the aforementioned tower, which I have planned for my next visit to the city.

Baptistery, artistic jewel of the Siena Duomo

After returning to the aforementioned Via Bianchi, you will reach the Duomo Square, the other highlight of your visit.

Before you will go up some stairs located next to the entrance of the Baptistery of Saint John, corner located under the main altar of the siena cathedral.

It is worth entering Baptistery to discover the artistic wealth of this corner.

Visit the interior of the Siena Duomo

Likewise, already in the Duomo Square You should take some time to appreciate the great architectural beauty of the cathedral's imposing façade.

And then you will see that, yes, from my point of view, its interior surpasses in spectacularity that of the other two great Tuscan cathedrals, those of Florence y Pisa.

Climb the Panorama, best views of Siena

Your visit of Siena Duomo It will not be complete if you do not enter the Opera Museum with the purpose of go up to Panorama.

This is how a structure is known that was going to be the façade of the great nave of the cathedral, which was never built, and which at the top has a viewpoint from where you have excellent panoramic views of Siena.

For visit the Duomo consider the possibility of purchasing the joint ticket called OPA IF PASS Well, it will surely be worth it to you.

Its cost more than offsets the separate price of entering the Duomo, Baptistery and Opera MuseumIncluding Panorama, the visits you should make related to the cathedral.

Dine on a terrace in Piazza del Campo

For visit Siena, it is advisable that you spend a full day, which will allow you to enjoy the enormous beauty and atmosphere of the Piazza del Campo.

And what less than dining on one of the terraces that extend across this enormous square of this beautiful Tuscan city.

In any case, if your schedule is tight on your trip, the most basic of Siena you can see it in 5-7 hours.

Tours and excursions to Siena

If you are staying in Florence and instead of going on your own you prefer to sign up for a Spanish tour to Siena organized by an agency from the capital of Tuscany, you have the possibility of signing up for a day trip in which you will also visit San Gimignano y Monteriggioni.

This 11-hour excursion will take you first to the small walled town of San Gimingnano, one of the most outstanding corners of Tuscany, with its 14 medieval towers.

From there you will move to Siena, a city located half an hour away, where you will take a guided tour of the cathedral and public palace. You will then have two hours of free time to eat, shop, or walk around the city on your own.

Once back in Florence, you will make a quick visit to the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni, before arriving in the Tuscan capital around 19,30:XNUMX p.m.