Holiday in Siena

What makes Siena special as a destination?

Siena is a time capsule of the Middle Ages — a city that has remained virtually unchanged since the 14th century and transports visitors to another era with its unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, Gothic palaces, and passionate Contrade tradition. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Palio, a breathtaking horse race on the Piazza del Campo (July 2 and August 16), is not a tourist event but a living tradition since the 13th century. The 17 Contrade (districts) with their own flags, churches, and rivalries still shape social life today — Sienese people define themselves first by their Contrada, then by the city. The Siena Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture: the marble floor with 56 figurative scenes, the Piccolomini Library with Pinturicchio's vibrant frescoes, and the pulpit by Nicola Pisano are overwhelming. From the unfinished 'New Cathedral' (Facciatone), one has the best view over the city. The Museo dell’Opera houses Duccio's Maestà, a key work of Italian painting. Siena is also the gateway to the Crete Senesi — an almost surreal clay landscape south of the city — and to the vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano. The Sienese cuisine offers Pici (hand-rolled pasta), Ribollita, and Panforte, the dense spiced cake original.