Places Not to Miss in Siena, Italy
Siena is a rustic city in Tuscany, Italy. Every year tourist visit Siena to admire its culture, architecture, food and art. Although it is wonder city to visit, it isn’t as crowded as Rome, Florence or Venice.
One of the best places to visit is the Piazza del Campo, better known as “il Campo” to the locals. Here visitors can admire the amazing architecture of the square that has never been altered over the centuries. It is here were Sienese organized their games of risk. The market used to take place here.
While it is steeped in history, this massive piazza is still alive and vibrant today. Twice a year, the outer section of the square is covered with dirt so the Palio can be run. The Palio is an exhilarating bareback horse race. During the rest of the year, the square is open and bustling with activity. The restaurants and cafes in the square are charming and unique. You should visit Siena without stopping by and relaxing in a café at il Campo and visiting the Fountain of Joy.
Siena old town
While in Siena be sure to see Duomo di Santa Maria dell’Asunta (The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption). The Duomo is arguably one of the most stunning architectonical religious complexes in Tuscany. It has a striking black and white striped bell tower and Baptistery. It is a wonderful example of Italian Gothic architecture. It is one of the few constructed in full Gothic style in all of Italy. During the 19th century, the façade was decorated with golden Venetian mosaics.
The Museum dell’Opera Metropolitana, or Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, is a must see sight. It houses many outstanding sculptures. Twelve of these were created by Giovanni Pisano. Another stand out piece is “Madonna con Bambino.” The museum also houses an important reliquary. From the museum, be sure to climb up to the top of the Duomo for a dramatic view of the Siena and beyond.
Siena, Piazza Del Campo
For Siena accommodation, explore hotel reviews and find cheap hotel deals with RESERVATIONS.COM. Before leaving Italy, be sure to have fresh pasta at the small family run restaurant Trattoria La Torre. When you enter, you can see the fresh pasta ready to be prepared. There is no menu or neon sign. The owner comes to the table to give you his suggestions for the day, depending on what is in season. Be for warned it will be hard to enjoy any other meal after eating at Trattoria La Torre because most meals will never come close to being as good.
