Siena - a Little Town in the Heart of Tuscany

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Whoever likes good wine and good food should go to Siena, a little town in the heart of Tuscany. It has something magical that you don't fully realize until you've left the town. Everybody who has been there once will return sooner or later because of the medieval spell that follows you as you roam through the narrow streets lined by red brick walls, giving you a sense of safety and carefree-ness that you might have lost.

The Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful main squares in Europe, and composes the heart of the town. Shaped like a sea-shell or a princess' veil (depending on your imagination) The Piazza is the chosen location for the famous horse race, the Palio (which is such an event I have a separate description). Il Campo will invite you to linger and imagine all the stories that have taken place here (My wife and I had our first date there). There will be many others sunbathing or enjoying an ice-cream (the best ice cream in Siena is at a little home-made ice cream place called Il Gelato just below vicolo San Paolo). In the evening, the square becomes an open-air bacchanalia. You can buy a bottle of wine at Vini+Dolce where they will open it for you and supply you with cups if you are so inclined.

The buildings surrounding Il Campo are particularly beautiful and unusual. At the bottom of the Piazza you have the "Palazzo Communale" a not-to-be missed landmark. There you can visit the interior of the building or climb the "Torre del Mangia" named after the man who first rang the bells of the steeple several hundred years ago. Inside, one finds famous frescos such as the allegory of "The good and bad government" by Lorenzetti, and other masterpieces (the Sala del Mappamondo, and the chapel of the Piazza, among others). From the top you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the entire historical centre. Legend has it that you must not climb this tower before graduation or you will never receive your diploma.

The Duomo is another important landmark, not far from Piazza del Campo. In addition to the remarkable facade, the marble inlaid floors are a chef d'oeuvre, but they are only fully uncovered for a month every year.

The best way to see Siena is by wandering through the streets, and looking carefully at details not just landmarks. You will always find something new (well, it's been there for ages) be it a fresco or a shrine.

If you wander long enough you will get into the spirit of the city and begin to be entranced by its medieval mystery.