On day 3 of our Tuscan street journey we visited the attractive city of Siena, which was the fourth cease on our tour. Siena was one of many cities I used to be most excited to see on the journey so we had devoted a complete day for it. After one other hearty Italian breakfast at Castello di Casole, we hopped in our chariot (Corsa), obtained out or map (sat nav) and went looking for Siena. Primarily based alone expertise, right here’s how you can spend a day in Siena…
The journey from Castello di Casole to Siena took not more than 40 minutes and we discovered a helpful automotive park on the sting of the town on the Siena Soccer Stadium. From right here we strolled into the centre of Siena on foot. We have been and not using a map, so merely headed within the route of the terracotta towers and spires we may see within the distance.
On the strategy into the centre of Siena, we walked alongside a collection of slim winding streets that have been lined with gelaterias, espresso outlets and outlets promoting native meals produce. As we obtained nearer to the centre huge model names began to pop up and I realised that Siena was really a beautiful city for procuring in addition to sight seeing.
Piazza del Campo
Signposts on virtually each nook marked the way in which to the central Piazza del Campo, which needs to be the primary cease for anybody deciding how you can spend a day in Siena. The Piazza is among the most well-known medieval squares in Europe and dates all the way in which again to 1349. With its medieval stone, wealthy terracotta hues and distinctive sloping flooring, it felt romantic, historic and epitomised previous European appeal.
As we arrived mid-morning we stopped for a espresso in one of many many al-fresco cafes that line the sting of the piazza. As with every vacationer sizzling spot, the costs of those cafes are double what you’ll discover across the nook, however they’ll get away with charging extra due to their wonderful location. I beloved sitting within the solar doing a bit individuals watching and taking within the ambiance, so I used to be glad to pay €4.50 for one cappuccino.
Travelista Tip: Should you’re on a funds, head to one of many facet streets the place you’ll be able to choose up a pizza for €5.00 and occasional is underneath €2.00.
Torre del Mangia
The central focus of the Piazza del Campo is the Palazzo Pubblico, which sits centrally in entrance of the sloping amphitheater-style flooring. Related to it’s the Torre del Mangia, a 400 step tower that’s the place to go for the best and finest panoramic views of Siena.
After our espresso we went to purchase our admission tickets for the tower from the ticket workplace situated on the backside of the tower within the piazza. The 400 step climb is an expertise in itself because it contains climbing up the unique stone spiral staircase that was in-built 1338. As soon as on the high there are two viewing platforms, each with breathtaking views of the terracotta metropolis.
From the highest of the tower you’ll be able to see the cathedral in all its glory, look down on the piazza and hint the previous partitions that encompass the centre of the town. I’d completely suggest climbing the tower to anybody visiting Siena and for underneath 10 euros a ticket, it’s an reasonably priced, enjoyable and really satisfying attraction.
Travelista Tip: The tower has set admission occasions each hour on the hour all through the day. To save lots of your self a while and to keep away from ready in queues, attempt to arrive nearly 10 minutes earlier than the following admission time.
Pizza within the Piazza
It was day 3 of our journey and we nonetheless hadn’t had any Italian pizza but, so after working up an urge for food we picked a pizzeria for our lunch cease. The pizzeria was referred to as La Birreria and was additionally situated within the Piazza del Campo. I ordered a salami pizza with additional gorgonzola cheese. It was so scrumptious I couldn’t communicate!
Siena Cathedral and Museum
After an extended lunch we went looking for Siena’s cathedral, which was underneath a 10-minute stroll from the Piazza. The cathedral is a part of a posh which incorporates the Crypt, the Baptistery and the Museo dell’Opera, all of that are housed between the “Duomo Vecchio” (Outdated Cathedral) and the “Duomo Nuovo” (New Cathedral).
I’d suggest setting at 2 hours apart if you wish to go to each the entire advanced. Sadly pictures wasn’t allowed inside however the Cathedral is an impressive sight from the surface.
Travelista Tip: You may get admission to every little thing on an all-inclusive OPA Si Cross which is simply €12.00 per individual and saves you 50% off the person admission costs.
Procuring
Should you’re seeking to choose up some wonderful native meals produce when in Italy, Siena is the place to do it. There are countless meals outlets promoting native Italian produce corresponding to pastas, biscotti, wines, Cointreau, chocolate, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and sauces. I beloved trying trying across the outlets and seeing all of the extraordinary produce. I had by no means seen so many forms of pasta! I picked up some additional virgin olive oil and a pack of almond biscotti to convey dwelling with me.
What did you consider my day in Siena? Are you questioning how you can spend a day in Siena? Should you loved this put up I’d love you to go away me a remark within the field beneath! Be at liberty to ask me something. Jess x
