Siena & San Gimignano

Siena

Siena is Florence's eternal rival — and in some ways even more beautiful. The Gothic old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) has hardly changed since the 14th century: The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is one of the most spectacular squares in the world, the cathedral (Duomo di Siena) a masterpiece of black and white marble, and the alleys exude a timelessness that Florence has lost.

• Piazza del Campo: The sloping, shell-shaped square is the heart of Siena — here, twice a year (July 2 and August 16), the Palio di Siena takes place, the wildest horse race in the world. The 17 Contrade (districts) compete against each other — a spectacle of passion, rivalry, and medieval pomp.
• Cathedral of Siena: The Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with its black and white striped facade and unique marble floor (56 scenes, fully revealed only in September/October) is breathtaking. Also: Piccolomini Library with frescoes by Pinturicchio, glowing in colors as if painted yesterday.
• Museo Civico in Palazzo Pubblico: Ambrogio Lorenzetti's "Allegory of Good and Bad Government" (1338–1339) — the most famous political painting of the Middle Ages.

Getting there: Bus (SITA/Tiemme) from Florence bus station (near Santa Maria Novella station), 75 minutes, from 8€. Or train: Florence–Siena, about 90 minutes, from 10€ (station is below the old town, 10 min. walk or escalator).

San Gimignano

San Gimignano — the "City of Towers" — is quintessential postcard Tuscany: 14 medieval family towers rise like skyscrapers from the 13th century into the Tuscan sky. In the Middle Ages, there were 72 towers — each noble family built higher than the other as a sign of power and wealth.

• Torre Grossa: The only climbable tower (54 meters, 200 steps). From the top: 360° panorama over the Tuscan hills. Admission: 9€.
• Piazza della Cisterna: The triangular main square with the medieval well — also home to Gelateria Dondoli, multiple Gelato World Champion. The flavor "Crema di Santa Fina" (saffron and pine nuts) is legendary.
• Vernaccia di San Gimignano: The local white wine is one of Italy's oldest DOC wines — dry, mineral, and perfect with Tuscan food.

Getting there: Bus from Florence with a transfer in Poggibonsi, about 90 minutes total. Or rental car (50 min. direct). Day tip: San Gimignano + Siena in one day (by car or tour) — morning in San Gimignano, afternoon in Siena.