Why visit Siena and what activities can you look forward to there?

Sights and history

Siena is, above all, a historical gem, not only within Italy but certainly one of the most beautiful historic cities in the world. It is therefore no surprise that its city centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Siena experienced its greatest urban boom between the 13th and 15th centuries, when it was an independent republic. It is from this period that most of the sights you mustn’t miss date. These include, for example:

• The Cathedral – Duomo di Siena
• Torre del Mangia and Palazzo Pubblico
• Basilica of St Dominic

Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Siena

The most popular activity is wandering, somewhat aimlessly, through the winding streets, up and down the steep slopes of the valley and across the beautiful squares. From the bustling streets teeming with tourists, you need only turn two corners to find yourself in a secluded part of Siena with a tranquil, almost mystical atmosphere, where the houses exude history and hundreds of human stories.

Discounted hotels in Siena

You can wander the narrow streets for an hour, but romantics could easily spend two days enjoying this activity.

The Palio di Siena horse race

An ancient tradition dating back to the 14th century continues to thrive in Siena to this day. We’re talking about the famous Palio di Siena horse race, which takes place twice a year in the main square, Piazza del Campo.

The races are a truly massive event and very popular with the locals, always attracting thousands of spectators.

The perimeter of the square is transformed into an improvised racecourse, with soft bedding laid on a special structure to prevent the horses from injuring themselves and to protect the cobblestones.

There are always 10 riders, each in the colours of their respective coat of arms, representing a total of 17 autonomous districts of Siena (known as ‘contrade’). As it would not be possible, for safety reasons, to hold the race with all 17 horses at once, the seven contrade that did not take part in the previous Palio are automatically assigned to the next one, with the remaining three being drawn to join them.

The Palio di Siena is heldtwice a yearon fixed dates, regardless of weekends or public holidays:

• 2 Julyin honour of Our Lady of Provence
• 16 Augustin honour of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

In truly exceptional circumstances, a third Palio may be held during the year, though this happens roughly once every 10 years.

Hiking

Although Siena is best known for its city sightseeing, history and culture, its idyllic, rolling countryside, full of vineyards and woods, also invites you to go for walks and longer excursions, especially if you are staying in Siena for more than one night.

In the area around the city, you’ll find several signposted walking trails that will take you through the countryside, past small, picturesque villages and into surprisingly dense woods.

You can explore the signposted walking trails around Siena, for example, on the mapy.cz website.