Siena is a charming city that rivaled Florence for its wealth, beauty, and artistry in the medieval period. In the 16th century, Florence conquered Siena and it was absorbed into the Duchy of Tuscany. Today it is famous for its medieval architecture, brick houses, magnificent churches and basilicas, and winding alleyways leading to sunny piazzas.
Your private tour begins in the central Piazza del Campo, where you’ll meet your local guide in front of Fonte Gaia, the monumental fountain with beautiful friezes.
The Piazza del Campo was constructed around the 13th-14th century during Siena’s Golden Age of art and architecture. It hosts the famousPalio horse race twice a year on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August. Il Palio is a dramatic bareback horse race in which jockeys from 10 of the 17 contrade or districts compete for victory.
The square is surrounded by the medieval Torre del Mangia, which boasts fabulous views over the city and surrounding countryside, and the grand Palazzo Pubblico which serves as the town hall.
From here, the 17 districts of Siena fan out. You’ll adventure down quiet alleys, and charming streets, pass by atmospheric gothic churches, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere created by the waiters standing outside their trattorias, and the chattering thrum of passers-by.
You’ll see the thick city walls and intimidating iron gates, pass the famous Headquarters of Monti dei Paschi di Siena, one of the oldest banks in Europe, and stop to look inside the imposing Basilica di San Domenico. This medieval gothic church is also known locally as Santa Caterina as it houses the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena.
Lastly, enjoy skip-the-line access to Siena’s Duomo – a truly magnificent cathedral built of dramatic white and black marble, gothic spires, and a vast bell tower called the Facciatone. Inside you’ll marvel at its intricate golden mosaics, marbled floors, spectacular dome, and impressive art by three of Italy’s most famous artists: Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini.
