Siena: Guide, Hotels, Map & Photos
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EUR 85 - 300 Hotel Mercure Siena Degli Ulivi
 The Hotel Mercure Siena Degli Ulivi is set on the threshold of the historic city walls of Siena, surrounded by the beautiful hills of Chianti.
This … MoreEUR 53 - 204 Hotel Minerva
 Set between the town centre and the main railway station, Hotel Minerva offers fabulous views of Siena.
Stay in clean, modestly furnished, spacious a… MoreEUR 50 - 160 Hotel Moderno
 Just across from the Church of San Francesco and close to the station you will find the Hotel Moderno, in the historic centre of Siena.
The restauran… MoreEUR 110 - 160 Hotel Palazzo di Valli
 Situated only 800 metres from the historic centre of Siena, Hotel Palazzo di Valli is a gorgeous 18th century villa beautifully decorated and smartly … MoreEUR 60 - 160 Hotel Porta Romana
 Set against a background of the majestic Porta Romana and the green hills of the Sienese countryside, this 18th century building offers fantastic view… MoreEUR 60 - 250 Hotel Residence Il Testucchio
 The Hotel Residence Il Testucchio is characterized by pleasant atmosphere rich of sober and refined elegance. It is situated in the outskirts of Siena… MoreEUR 75 - 150 Hotel San Marco
 Located in a peaceful, green area walking distance from Siena town centre, Hotel San Marco was built in 2004. Enjoy the hotel’s modern services and … MoreEUR 55 - 235 Hotel Santa Caterina
 Housed in a refurbished 18th century patrician villa, this small and cozy hotel is situated a few metres from Porta Romana; one of the medieval entran… MoreEUR 48 - 150 Hotel Vico Alto
 Located on a quiet hill which gives the hotel its name, the property benefits from a magnificent view over beautiful Siena.
Located just outside cent… MoreEUR 85 - 125 Hotel Villa Liberty
 Located just outside the ancient walls of the historic centre of Siena, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from Piazza del Campo.
This converted 19th ce… MoreEUR 65 - 539 Il Chiostro Del Carmine
 Restored from a 14th century Carmelite monastery but with large modern rooms, this hotel of exquisite character is just a few hundred metres from Sien… MoreEUR 65 - 179 Locanda Di San Martino
 Located in the heart of the Contrada della Torre, just 200 metres from Piazza del Campo, this recently-renovated hotel blends modern comforts with tra… MoreEUR 68 - 450 NH Excelsior
 Centrally located in Siena and close to the bus and railway stations, this hotel provides recently refurbished clean and comfortable rooms.
With its … MoreEUR 49 - 150 Palace Hotel Due Ponti
 Palace Hotel Due Ponti is a friendly and comfortable hotel located just outside the historic centre of Siena. It has all the latest, modern facilities… MoreEUR 35 - 110 Piccolo Hotel il Palio
 This building, which used to be the "Convento dei Tre Mori" monastery, was converted around the fifteenth century and is today a comfortable hotel in … MoreEUR 70 - 110 Residenza San Domenico
 Situated in Siena’s historical centre, between Basilica San Domenico and Piazza del Campo, this hotel offers several rooms with outstanding panorami… MoreEUR 190 - 600 Residenza d'Epoca Campo Regio Relais
 An ancient residence, restored last 2005, situated in the historical centre of Siena composed of six rooms, four standard and two suite, a small entra… MoreEUR 45 - 150 Residenza d'Epoca Il Casato
 Il Casato offers the experience of staying in an ancient 14th century palace in the heart of the city, behind Piazza del Campo and a short walk from t… MoreEUR 65 - 299 Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Fani Mignanelli
 Situated in the historical centre of Siena, just a short walk from Piazza del Campo, this intimate hotel provides the perfect base for exploring this … MoreEUR 48 - 140 Residenze Siena In Centro
 Immersed in the heart of the city, these noble houses provide a perfect solution for travellers wishing to enjoy an authentic stay in Siena.
The Resi… MoreEUR 150 - 204 Residenze d'Epoca Palazzo Coli Bizzarrini
 In a beautiful, historic 16th century palace with carefully preserved stunning original features, these luxurious apartments are just steps from the a… MoreEUR 49 - 140 Sangallo Park Hotel
 Situated on Vico Alto's hill, this hotel offers fantastic panoramic views over the beautiful city of Siena.
Recently built, the modern and functional… MoreEUR 40 - 160 Siena B&B Hospitality
 In the heart of Siena, only a few steps from the most striking and characteristic spots of the town, this B&B offers a selections of beautiful rooms f… MoreEUR 65 - 130 Soggiorno Lo Stellino
 This small, charming hotel has 15 recently refurbished rooms available at great-value rates in a convenient location, with good public transport links… MoreEUR 70 - 250 Villa Elda
 Relax in the lush garden and enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace at Villa Elda, set in the heart of Siena. Walk to Piazza del Campo in 10 minutes.… More | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Siena: Guide
Siena is an historic medieval city in the region of Tuscany, located in the north of Italy, and lying some 70 km (43 miles) south of Florence. It is probably best known for a colourful horse race, #Events|Il Palio, conducted twice each year in the summer.
Understand
Siena was a proud, wealthy, and warlike independent state during the Middle Ages, until its final defeat by Florence. Medieval Sienese art (painting, sculpture, architecture, etc.) is unique and of historical importance. Sienese people are fiercely proud of their city and their neighborhood (contrada). The Palio, described below, is all about neighborhood pride and rivalry, and also constitutes the unbroken continuation of a Medieval tradition associated with religion, pageantry, trash-talking, bragging, and occasional violence. It is taken very seriously and is in no way a put-on for tourists; in fact, you are likely to be less welcomed during the Palio than at any other time, and there isn't the slightest doubt that Siena would run the Palio with great enthusiasm regardless of whether any visitors ever showed up. That said, this is a city which depends and flourishes on tourism. Siena was a very poor little city for a few hundred years after its defeat, which is the main reason that its lovely Medieval buildings were never torn down and replaced with modern structures. In the 19th century, tourists started coming. Nowadays, it is a requirement that new buildings within the city walls be built to look Medieval, so as to maintain the city's character and beauty.
Get in
By plane
Siena's Ampugnano airport is located 9 km from the city. At the moment, connections from Olbia, Vienna and Munich are available. For additional information tel 0577-392226. A shuttle service connection is currently available between the airport and Piazza Gramsci TRA-IN (tel. 0577-204224).
Most travellers arriving by plane will land at airports in Florence or Pisa.
By car
From the north, take the Chiantigiana from Florence (SS 222 - 72 km) that elegantly crosses the hills of Chianti or the highway (SS 2 superstrada Siena/Firenze - 68 km). From the south, Siena can be reached by taking the Autoway from Rome (A1 Roma-Firenze, exit Valdichiana), turning right on state highway #326 (Bettolle-Siena - 240 km).
By train
From the north, the direct rail connection departs from Florence, be advised however that you might have to switch trains in Empoli. From the south, direct connections to Siena depart from Chiusi or from Grosseto. The train station in Siena is located approximately 2 km from Siena's historical centre, a five minute bus ride - buses leave regularly from Piazza del Sale. Buses numbers 3, 8, 10, 17, 77 leave from the station to Piazza del Sale and bus #17 departs from Piazza del Sale for the train station.
By bus
By far the easiest way to get to Siena from Florence. Take the Sita bus (located across the street from Santa Maria Novella train station), 1hr 20 minutes (day trip if staying in Florence). It will eventually drop you off at Piazza Garibaldi which is located well within the walls of the city usually allowing for an easy walk to where you need to go. Connections are also available from Rome and various other cities.
Get around
The historical centre of Siena's medieval city is accessible only on foot. Cars are strictly prohibited. There is a small bus (Pollicino) run by the TRA-IN company that covers some streets located in the centre. Outside the main city walls in the primary tourist areas can be found various parking areas. For more information, contact "Siena Parcheggi" tel. 0577-228711. To call or reserve a taxi: telephone the Central Reservation Office at 0577-49222.
Siena may be the only city in Mediterranean Europe where parking is not a massive headache. Unfortunately, the pay lots have increased dramatically in the past few years and you can expect to pay 40,00 or more per day. If you don't mind a walk, however, you can park for free on in the back part of the Fortezza. Farther out there is free parking, with minibus service, from Due Ponti and Coroncina (beyond Porta Romana).
Siena is a city (a small city, yes, but it isn't like one of the hill towns) and the attractions away from the Piazza/Duomo area are a bit spread out. It is built on three steep hills. There is a minibus (pollicini) service, but it never runs from where you are to where you want to go. Hard walking is almost a necessity. You will understand why Italians can eat so much, and not get fat, when you see old women carrying groceries up a long street with a 30-degree incline. If you are tired, check to see if you can get to your destination by walking along a ridge, rather than going in a straight line down a hill and back up.
See
The Piazza del Campo, the unique sectioned piazza which constitutes the center of the city and turns into a racetrack during the Palio (q.v.).
The Palazzo Pubblico, which has seen centuries of continuous functioning as Siena's City Hall, and the museum inside, which notably contains the famous frescos on good and bad government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, the original of the Fonte Gaia (the fountain by Jacopo della Quercia which was originally on the Piazza del Campo and is now replaced there by a replica), and access to the Torre di Mangia, from whose top you can view a beautiful panorama of the Sienese countryside.
The Duomo, Siena's magnificent Italian Romanesque cathedral including the Libreria Piccolomini (separate admission charge), Baptistery (separate entrance and charge), and an attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (separate entrance and charge) (website only in Italian) which includes the famous Maestà by Duccio. After you've seen all the art, you can also treat yourself to a beautiful panorama from a high point in the museum.
The Pinacoteca, which is full of Sienese paintings from the city's Medieval heyday.
The Palazzo Salimbeni, built in 1472, is the world headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the major banking corporation which has a hand in much of the economic and cultural life of the city. The building itself is well worth looking at from the outside. Inside, there are interesting documents showing the history of banking, plus a collection of paintings and other artwork, but you would have to request permission in advance if you'd like to have a chance to view them.
Palio Horse Race - a horse race like nowhere else, between the quarters of Siena, is run in the central square of Siena on July 2 and August 16. The Sienese are all affiliated with one of the seventeen contrada (plural contrade), to which a typical Sienese feels loyal with a strength perhaps surpassed only by their loyalty to their family. Since the 11th century, the Sienese have conducted two festivals every year where the city's contrade compete for renown (and in times gone by, actual political power) through contests such as flag throwing, horse racing and even fist fights. The fist fights no longer happen (a heavy police presence in the weeks prior to the contest sees to that), but the spirit of competition between contrade is still fierce. See more on the Palio at .
Classical concerts during the summer at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, and at various locations in the city during the Settimana Musicale Senese.
Siena Jazz Festival during summer.
Siena is large enough still to have items made in the local area, stemming from its history of craftmanship, so you will find some items not readily available anywhere else. Fine paper, neckties, fabrics, embroidery/tapestry, glazed terracotta, gold jewelry, and of course local food and wine, are some of the distinctive items produced locally.
Olive Oil , - if you have a car then drive out to the Montestigliano Olive estate, perched high on a hill surrounded by olive trees. You can taste and buy their single estate, extra virgin olive oil (as well as a few other goodies) to take with you or have shipped. There is also a lovely courtyard where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine and admire the view.
The wonderful Siena Jazz Music School is housed in the old fortress.
Siena is also known for its Italian language schools and several prestigious universities.
Also in the fortress is an excellent and large enoteca (wine bar).
Excellent gelato can be found just off the Campo at a gelateria called "Brivido".
For something more substantial, "La Chiacchiera" is an excellent source of typical Tuscan cuisine; the pici (thick, homemade noodles) are superb.
Sienese specialties include:
Panforte - a unique kind of dense cake, made of honey, flour, almonds, candied fruits, a secret blend of spices, etc. Tipo Margherita is the classic, but several other types are made. Panforte is commercially manufactured only in Siena and neighboring Monteriggioni, its loyal ally in its medieval wars with Florence. The most famous brand of panforte is Sapori. You can buy panforte most cheaply in local supermarkets, but don't miss a trip to Nannini on Banchi di Sopra, a pleasant caffé where you can buy not only the panforte they make but also many other types of unusual pastries and so forth.
Ricciarelli - almond paste cookies.
Agriturismo Monaciano Tuscany self catering accommodations into the Chinti hills just 7 km. from Siena with swimming pool, ping-pong and a . Monaciano has many farmhouses that may comfortably accommodates large families or large group of friends.
Ostello del Chianti (Chianti youth hostel), Via Roma, 137 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa FI, tel. +390558050265 fax. +390558065039 is a clean, comfortable and friendly hostel very convenientely situated right in the heart of Tuscany, within easy reach of Florence, Siena, Sangimignano and the renowned Chianti area. Doubles €31, ensuite €40, dorms €14.
Casa Gigliola - holiday rental apartment near Siena - beautiful apartment for 6 people near the Abbey of San Galgano. Private garden, terrace, excellent location in a very green area of Monticiano. Inexpensive and comfortable.
Casina di Rosa holiday rental home in medieval hilltop village south of Siena, can accommodate up to 3 people.
Agriturismo in Toscana Il Passo degli Ulivi . Agriturismo near Paganico, 3 comfortable self-catering apartments near Petriolo hot springs, air-con, garden, swimming pool.
Albergo Bernini, Via della Sapienza n°15, 53100 Siena (just down the street from San Domenico) tel. +39-0577-289047 (use simple English if you email) - dated but clean rooms in a tiny, centrally-located inn. A truly friendly older couple owns and runs it, and lives on the property (they leave their door open often). The great thing is the view of Siena - spectacular, as you look across the unobstructed valley and almost down at the Piazza del Campo and Duomo. The two rooms at the back have the view. They also have good tips on the best inexpensive dining, which is fabulous. At midnight they lock the doors and go to bed. Double with bath €85, without bath €75.
Borgo di Pietrafitta Relais, Strada di Pietrafitta, 53011 Castellina in Chianti, Tel. +39.0577.741390 Fax +39.0577.740049. . In the heart of the Chianti, in the most beautiful part of Tuscany, between Siena and Florence, Relais Borgo di Pietrafitta is waiting for you.
Montestigliano 53010 Rosia , conveniently located just 15 minutes south of Siena, in the heart of the countryside but within easy reach of the cities and hilltowns, it really is an ideal place to base yourself. The setting is a beautiful 2000 acre olive producing (the oil is delicious!)agritcultural estate, which has paths to walk or bike along. The main hamlet has restored old farm houses and buildings converted into apartments. Cooking classes (a great cultural and culinary experience) for both adults and kids, meals and various other activities can be organized, but you also relax beside the pool and enjoy the spectacular views across the Tuscan landscape. There is also a gem of a british consiegere who will help you plan as much or a little as you want.
The Hotel Minerva is situated in the historic center of Siena. There are 59 bedrooms with bathrooms, phone, color TV, safe deposit box, air conditioning, fridge-bar, laundry service, fast internet facility. The bedrooms have a view of old Siena. A meeting room is available. Garage. Ten minutes' walk from Piazza del Campo. 500 meters from the Railway Station.
Palazzo Leopoldo , Via Roma 33, 53017 Radda In Chianti, Siena. . Palazzo Leopoldo is a 1300 restored manor house. Comfortable rooms, elegant junior suite and spacious suites with original interiors and 1700/1800 frescoes. Rich buffet breakfast served in the original 1700 kitchen or on the terrace with huge view over the hills and castles. All facilities as the little village supply together with the quite Tuscan atmospohere.
Palazzo San Niccolò , Via Roma 16, 53017 Radda In Chianti - tel. +39 0577-735666 fax: +39 0577-739022 - four star hotel in Radda in Chianti, 30 minutes from Siena. Prices €120-180.
This "Travel Guide" section is drawn from the Wikitravel article "Siena". We hope you will edit and improve it. It is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license.Do
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Also excellent is "La Torre", the restaurant of the contrada of the same name.Sleep
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