Holiday in Siena

Siena lies in the heart of Tuscany among soft rolling hillsides, vineyards, olive trees, green woodland and wonderful villages, where smells and colours from the past still exist. The centre of Siena is quite indescribable. Once you are through the old city gates you are met everywhere by reminders of times when neither electricity nor industry was available to the local inhabitants. Piazza del Campo with its town hall, the cathedral, Basilica di San Domenico, La Torre del Mangia and above all the streets and houses make an unforgettable impression on visitors. 

In Siena, the famous Palio takes place twice during the summer in Piazza del Campo. The whole town takes part with a passion in this historic event. Many tourists and personalities from all over the world also come along to see the wild chase of the horses in the main square. Afterwards there is lots of wine and a big party.

Siena is also surrounded by fantastic medieval towns: Montepulciano and Pienza with their Renaissance artifacts; Rapolano with the Roman spas; San Gimignano with its amazing architectural solutions (the town could survive several months of siege); Monteriggioni, imposing and fascinating on a hilltop encircled by olive trees and its buildings untouched by the passing of the centuries, and Colle Val d’Esa, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia. The list goes on and new sights and experiences await you over each hilltop. You cannot visit Siena and not hope to return.

Pictures and more information on Siena

Where to eat in Siena?
It is difficult to eat badly in Siena. We have been coming to the town for the last 10 years, and although we have eaten in numerous restaurants, we have only once been really disappointed. The choice of restaurants is vast, and variations are enormous both as regards style and price level. Of course, it is always risky to recommend, or advise against, certain places as chefs often change, and so with this in mind we recommend a visit to the following restaurants: