While Siena is, arguably, one of the most stunning cities in Italy, it is also not that well-known to many international travellers, which is a crying shame. With lots to offer and a beautiful Gothic veneer, it is a perfect holiday destination and in this and the previous post, we are counting down ten great reasons to find yourself a villa rental in Siena and get exploring the city ASAP!
6. The Stunning Piccolomini Library
Another great architectural gem, this beauty is on the grounds of the cathedral and can be visited at the same time! Just turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle and you'll discover the library, built by Pope Pius III (a member of the powerful local Piccolomini family) in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Said collection never really made it to the library and the series of frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop are now the real stars of the show. Truly stunning and awe-inspiring, this is a must-see space.
6. The Stunning Piccolomini Library
Another great architectural gem, this beauty is on the grounds of the cathedral and can be visited at the same time! Just turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle and you'll discover the library, built by Pope Pius III (a member of the powerful local Piccolomini family) in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Said collection never really made it to the library and the series of frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop are now the real stars of the show. Truly stunning and awe-inspiring, this is a must-see space.
7. Bottini – The Underground Passages Beneath the City...
Hidden beneath the medieval streets of Siena, there is a network of passageways, an underground labyrinth called the “Bottini”. Measuring over 25km in total, they were created to supply water all around the town between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries and can now be visited on guided tours. Some may find the experience a bit frightening but the explorers among you will be delighted to have such an adventure!
8. The Wonderful Art Museum
The Pinacoteca Nazionale, a national museum housed in the historic centre of Siena, has a particularly wonderful collection that reflects Siena's rich artistic tradition. With rooms filled with endless artistic gems produced in the area during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, set within this well-preserved Gothic city, it is the ideal place to discover Tuscany's rich cultural heritage.
Hidden beneath the medieval streets of Siena, there is a network of passageways, an underground labyrinth called the “Bottini”. Measuring over 25km in total, they were created to supply water all around the town between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries and can now be visited on guided tours. Some may find the experience a bit frightening but the explorers among you will be delighted to have such an adventure!
8. The Wonderful Art Museum
The Pinacoteca Nazionale, a national museum housed in the historic centre of Siena, has a particularly wonderful collection that reflects Siena's rich artistic tradition. With rooms filled with endless artistic gems produced in the area during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, set within this well-preserved Gothic city, it is the ideal place to discover Tuscany's rich cultural heritage.
9. The Excellent Food
While Tuscany, as a whole, is a great foodie destination, Siena is an especially good choice for those who love their food. Birthplace of many famous Tuscan treats and cakes and home to regular markets and a whole host of delicious restaurants, you'll never be short of wonderful food to try during a vacation in Siena.
10. Experience The Famous Palio!
The Palio is Siena's biggest and most important annual festival, a crazy traditional horse race that is held twice a year, on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August. Taking place in the city's main piazza, it transforms the whole city into a colourful circus of waving flags and festivities and sees ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen areas of the city in a race.
In addition to all of this, the city of Siena has endless lists of charms and reasons to fall in love so why not come and discover this gem of a holiday destination in Tuscany for yourself?
While Tuscany, as a whole, is a great foodie destination, Siena is an especially good choice for those who love their food. Birthplace of many famous Tuscan treats and cakes and home to regular markets and a whole host of delicious restaurants, you'll never be short of wonderful food to try during a vacation in Siena.
10. Experience The Famous Palio!
The Palio is Siena's biggest and most important annual festival, a crazy traditional horse race that is held twice a year, on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August. Taking place in the city's main piazza, it transforms the whole city into a colourful circus of waving flags and festivities and sees ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen areas of the city in a race.
In addition to all of this, the city of Siena has endless lists of charms and reasons to fall in love so why not come and discover this gem of a holiday destination in Tuscany for yourself?
