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City of Siena

Siena is a popular tourist destination in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is located on a hilltop in the region’s center, about 50 kilometers southeast of Florence. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, as it is surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and vineyards.

The city is easily accessible by car, train, or bus and is a popular tourist destination around the world.

Things to do in Siena

  1. Visit the Piazza del Campo: This beautiful square in the city center is one of Siena’s most famous landmarks. The piazza is famous for its stunning architecture, which includes the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, and it is also the location of the annual Palio horse race.
  2. Explore the Cathedral of Siena: This stunning Gothic cathedral is one of Italy’s most important religious buildings and is home to a number of important artworks, including the Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna and the Piccolomini Library, which houses an illuminated manuscript collection.
  3. The Siena Art Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in art and history. It houses a collection of paintings and sculptures from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
  4. Explore the Civic Museum, which houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance artifacts and is an excellent place to learn about Siena’s history and culture.
  5. Take a stroll through Siena’s historic center: Siena’s historic center is a lovely and charming area ideal for a leisurely stroll. The colorful buildings line the narrow streets and alleys, which are home to many artisanal shops, restaurants, and cafes.
  6. Visit the Basilica of San Domenico, which houses the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the Catholic Church’s most important saints.
  7. Explore the Siena Synagogue: Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful synagogue is a unique and fascinating destination that provides a glimpse into the history of the Jewish community in Siena.
  8. Visit the Siena Botanical Gardens: These lovely gardens on the outskirts of town house a collection of rare and exotic plants from all over the world.
  9. Attend a local festival or event: Siena hosts a number of local festivals and events that highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage, such as the Siena Jazz Festival and the Festa dell’Assunta. These events are a great way to learn about Siena’s culture and traditions.
  10. Visit the Sant’Antimo Abbey: The Sant’Antimo Abbey, located only 50 km South of Siena, is a beautiful and peaceful destination. The abbey is well-known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture and tranquil setting in the countryside.

Staying at Siena House Hotel

The Siena House Hotel is a true boutique hotel located only 40 minutes from Siena. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family looking for a fun and exciting vacation, the Siena House Hotel is the ideal starting point for exploring Tuscany’s many cultural and natural attractions.

One of the things that distinguishes the Siena House Hotel is its secluded location. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful countryside and feels like a private villa, providing privacy and tranquility that is difficult to find in other hotels.

Couples will appreciate the hotel’s cozy and romantic atmosphere, as well as its many amenities and services, including a saltwater swimming pool, a fully-equipped summer kitchen and plenty of outdoor spaces. The hotel’s rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly decorated, and offer all the comforts and conveniences you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

So if you’re planning a trip to Siena and the surrounding area, be sure to consider the Siena House Hotel for your accommodations.

Photos and Notes from Siena

Siena – living medieval city and capital town of the province of Siena – is both busy tourist centre and an unmissable visit.  Home to one of the best squares in all of Italy – Piazza il Campo, where the twice annual ‘Palio’ bareback city centre horse race is run, don’t stick so far to ‘off the beaten path’ that you miss out on this fabulous visit.

Image showing the medieval city of siena from close by
Image showing a grey horse with his handler in the central square in Siena on the morning of the final try out for the palio horse race the animals is surrounded by ,en in sunglasses wearing the contrada scarves
image showing the tower in the piazza il campo in siena as seen high above the roof line of the side streets
Image showing the main government building in the piazza il campo square in Siena
detail of architecture in the Piazza del mercato in Siena showing loggia with the high tower torre di mangia in the main square behind
image showing the Piazza il campo tower in Siena, as viewed from one of the medieval side streets the ochre walls of the houses and the green painted shutters with blue and white contrada flags flying
Image showing a medieval building with arched windows and red brick this is the town hall in the Piazza il Campo of Siena
Image showing the streets of Siena with contrada flags flying
image showing the sign towards piazza il campo from the piazza il campo car park showing scene taken from within the car park
Image of a wall in the medieval town of siena showing graffiti with the words you will die in vain morirai in vana

Siena House is a boutique hotel in Tuscany with British owners.  We write and photograph Tuscany year round as a resource for our guests publishing our insider guide to Tuscany and our blog, Tuscany Reportage.