Siena

Siena is Florence's eternal rival and in some ways the more beautiful of the two: more compact, authentic, less touristy. The medieval cityscape is almost unchanged, and the Palio — the breakneck horse race on the Piazza del Campo — is one of Europe's most intense folk festivals.

Piazza del Campo ★★★

One of the most beautiful squares in the world: shell-shaped, inward-sloping, paved with reddish-brown brick, surrounded by medieval palazzi. The Torre del Mangia (102 m, 400 steps, 10 €) offers a spectacular view over the city and the Tuscan hills. On July 2 and August 16, the square transforms into an arena for the Palio — a bareback horse race between the 17 Contrade (districts), which has been held practically unchanged since the 14th century.

Siena Cathedral (Duomo) ★★★

One of Italy's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals: black-and-white striped marble, an overwhelming mosaic floor (56 scenes, fully revealed only a few weeks a year — usually August/September), the Libreria Piccolomini with Pinturicchio's frescoes and Michelangelo's statues. The planned new construction — which would have made the cathedral the largest church in the world — was halted by the plague in 1348. The unfinished side nave still stands today as the "Facciatone" and serves as a viewing platform (8 €).

Culinary delights in Siena

Siena's specialties are legendary: Pici (thick, hand-rolled pasta), Ribollita (bread soup), Panforte (heavy spiced cake with almonds and candied fruits), and Ricciarelli (almond cookies). The Enoteca Italiana in the Medicean fortress offers over 1,500 Italian wines.