The perfect guide to spending 2 days in Siena, Italy – all of the must-do, must-see attractions that the city has to offer.
Dominating three hills a little over 50 miles south of Florence in the Italian countryside is the beautiful city of Siena. Siena, Italy is a medieval city surrounded by a well-preserved 1,000-year-old wall in Tuscany. It is easy to see why the historic city center of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Siena was first established between 900 and 400 BC and in the middle ages, it was in a rivalry with Florence over power, wealth, and territory. While Florence eventually won, I feel like the charming city of Siena is the one that really won in the end. We much preferred Siena to Florence during our trip and I really hope that you add Siena to your Italian trip.
What to do in Siena, Italy
Duomo di Siena
The Siena Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. It was built between 1215 and 1263 in the Romanesque-Gothic style. The cathedral is laid out in the form of a Latin cross with a dome and bell tower. The interiors and exterior is decorated in white and greenish-black marble that alternates stripes.
We took the Gate of Heaven tour which takes you on a tour above the nave, an up-close look at the rose window, and panoramic views both inside and outside of the cathedral. After the tour, you are able to visit the floor of the cathedral and the other sites.
Some things you do not want to miss seeing inside the cathedral include St. John the Baptist by Donatello to the right of the Piccolomini Library, the rose window by Duccio di Buoninsegna, the marble pulpit by Nicola Pisano, the gorgeous Piccolomini Library, the marble Piccolomini Altarpiece which contains four statues by Michelangelo, and the various beautiful ceilings throughout.
The combo ticket also allows you to visit the Crypt, Baptistery, and the Museum of the Opera del Duomo which is where you can enjoy the view of the city and cathedral from the Facciatone.
Piazza del Campo
This plaza was built at the intersection of the three main roads that lead to and from Siena. It was to be a neutral ground where political and civic holidays could be celebrated. Siena is best known for hosting the Palio horseraces which happens twice a year in Piazza del Campo.
Torre del Mangia
Located in the Piazza del Campo is Torre del Mangia one of the most recognizable buildings in Siena. You can climb the tower with a little over 400 steps (it is a bit steep and narrow) however it offers some of the best views of the city.
Fonte Gaia
Sitting in the Piazza del Campo is the Fonte Gaia or Fountain of Joy. The gorgeous 15th-century white marble fountain is fed by underground tunnels that extend out over 30km into the hills of Tuscany. The fountain you see today is a reproduction and the original fountain is in the museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala.
Eats
Located right on the Pizza del Campo is Il Bandierino with Itallian dishes and pizza. I really wanted to have pici cacio e pepe while in Italy and theirs was delicious.
We stopped by Pizzeria Poppi Ivano (pizza by the slice) right after arriving in town starving and the pizza was delicious! It’s inexpensive and we all got to have a slice of what we wanted. Tip: take your pizza slice down to the Pizza del Campo to enjoy.
We tried gelato at three spots in town and our favorite was from Gelateria That’s Amore which is located right next door to Pizzeria Poppi Ivano.
