Siena is not a very large city, but it does have a huge number of tourist attractions. Most of the top 10 tourist attractions of Siena are within the city wall, grouped within walking distance of the central square Piazza del Campo, site of the most famous event that takes place in the city, the Palio.
Top 10 tourist attractions Siena
01. Piazza del Campo
The Piazza del Campo is a huge square and is the central point of Siena. It is framed by some of the city’s most important buildings and museums, and the tourist office is also located in the square. The famous Palio is held here twice a year.
02. Siena Cathedral
The Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral is the city’s most beautiful church. It features art works by famous artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio. The church has a beautiful floor, which is however often kept covered.
03. Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico
The Museo Civico has a comprehensive collection of art created by local artists. The highlight is the fresco cycle painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti depicting the “Allegory of Good and Bad Government.” It has existed since the 1930s and its seat is the Palazzo Pubblico.
04. St. Catherine’s Home
Santa Catarina lived with her parents and no fewer than 24 siblings in this house, which is now a famous pilgrimage destination. In the 15th century, the rooms of the house were converted into small chapels. The Casa di Santa Catarina is located at Costa di Sant’Antonio, 6.
05. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is housed in what should have been the east wing of the new cathedral (Duomo Nuovo). The ticket to this museum also allows you to climb 131 stairs to go and enjoy the Panorama del Facciatone.
06. Palazzo Comunale & Torre del Mangia
The Torre del Mangia is part of the Palazzo Comunale and is named after Giovanni di Duccio, who had to guard the tower and was nicknamed Mangiaguadagni (“Eater of Wages”) because he rather liked his food. The tower is nearly 90 meters tall and the view, of course, is breathtaking.
07. Fortezza Medicea
The Fortezza Medicea is a fortress commissioned by the Medici family and built in the 16th century. It was intended to keep the local population under their thumb. The gardens are impressive. The castle is adjacent to the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where Siena soccer club plays its home games.
08. Oratorium of San Bernardino
The Oratory of San Bernardino is located next to the San Francesco Church. Built in the 15th century, it is graced by murals by Il Sodoma and other artists. On the top floor is the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra.
09. City gates
Like most cities in Tuscany, Siena was protected by a thick city wall, which in this case is very well preserved. Most of the city gates are also still standing. The Porta Romana dates back to the 14th century.
10. Church of Sant’Agostino
The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino has a Dutch touch, as it was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, whose real name was Van Wittel. The richly decorated interior is the result of a renovation after a fire caused much damage. Perugino painted the “Adoration of the Cross” and Il Sodoma was responsible for the “Adoration of the Three Kings” in the Piccolomini Chapel.