Siena is a charming city, known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. If you only have a few hours to explore it, here’s an itinerary that will allow you to see the main attractions on foot.
Start your itinerary from the famous Piazza del Campo, the pulsating heart of the city. With its characteristic shell shape and brick pavement, Piazza del Campo is renowned for hosting the Palio di Siena, the historic horse race held twice a year. In the center of the square, don’t miss the Fonte Gaia, a splendid fountain decorated with reliefs.
Still in Piazza del Campo, you can admire the Palazzo Pubblico, a magnificent example of Sienese Gothic architecture, and the Torre del Mangia, which stands 87 meters tall. The climb to the tower, although challenging with its 400 steps, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills.
A few steps from Piazza del Campo, you will reach Piazza del Duomo, where the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is located. This Gothic masterpiece is known for its white and green marble façade and the incredible mosaic floor, visible only at certain times of the year. Inside, don’t miss the Piccolomini Library, decorated with frescoes by Pinturicchio and a young Raphael Sanzio.
At the back of the Duomo, you will find the Baptistery of San Giovanni, with its frescoes by the Sienese school. Under the cathedral, the Crypt houses vibrant frescoes dating back to the 13th century, discovered only in 1999 during restoration work.
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo hosts artworks by Donatello, Duccio di Buoninsegna, and other masters. From the museum, you can access the Facciatone, a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Siena.
After exploring the Duomo, head towards Via Banchi di Sopra. Here you can find excellent trattorias where you can enjoy typical Sienese dishes like pici with wild boar ragù. A recommended place is Trattoria Fonte Giusta on Via Camollia, famous for its traditional cuisine at reasonable prices.
In front of the Duomo, visit Santa Maria della Scala, one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, now transformed into a museum complex. Here you will find exhibitions ranging from archaeology to contemporary art.
Walking along Via Banchi di Sopra, stop to admire Palazzo Salimbeni, the seat of the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank still in operation. This Gothic building is one of the symbols of Siena’s financial history.
To visit the Duomo complex (Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Crypt, Baptistery, Museo dell’Opera, and Facciatone), it is convenient to purchase the Opa Si Pass, a cumulative ticket that allows access to all these attractions while saving on individual tickets.
Opening hours vary depending on the season. Generally, the Duomo complex is open from 10:00 to 19:00 from April to October, with reduced hours on holidays. It is advisable to book tickets online in advance, especially for the Porta del Cielo, a tour that allows you to visit the upper areas of the Duomo with spectacular views.
The Palio is regulated by specific norms to ensure the safety and proper conduct of the race. For example, the “Drappellone,” the prize for the winning contrada, must remain displayed in the Duomo until the day after the Palio. Additionally, participation in the Palio is reserved only for Siena’s historic contradas.
The city of Siena has implemented several measures to make the main attractions accessible to visitors with disabilities. However, due to the historical nature of the buildings, some areas, such as the Torre del Mangia, may not be easily accessible to everyone.
Conclusion and Why Book the Albergo Minerva in Siena Centro With Parking
Siena is a city rich in history, art, and culture, perfect to visit on foot even if you have only a few hours. During your walk, you can admire numerous must-see attractions that tell the story and beauty of this medieval city. Start your itinerary from Piazza del Campo, famous for its shell shape and for the Palio di Siena, the historic horse race held twice a year. In Piazza del Campo, you will find the Fonte Gaia, a splendid decorated fountain, and the Palazzo Pubblico, an example of Sienese Gothic architecture. Don’t forget to climb the Torre del Mangia for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Proceed to Piazza del Duomo where you can visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its white and green marble façade and for its interior decorated with works by great artists like Michelangelo and Donatello. Inside the Duomo, don’t miss the Piccolomini Library, frescoed by Pinturicchio with the help of a young Raphael. Always in Piazza del Duomo, visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Crypt, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which houses precious works of art and offers a spectacular view from the Facciatone.
A lunch break in one of the local trattorias will allow you to savor the typical dishes of Sienese cuisine, such as pici with wild boar ragù. We recommend moving a bit away from the center to find less touristy and more authentic restaurants.
Another unmissable stop is Santa Maria della Scala, an ancient hospital now transformed into a museum complex that houses collections of art and archaeology. To facilitate the visit to Siena’s main attractions, it is advisable to purchase the Opa Si Pass, a cumulative ticket that allows access to all the attractions of the Duomo complex.
Why Book the Albergo Minerva in Siena Centro With Parking
The Albergo Minerva is the ideal choice for your stay in Siena thanks to its central location and numerous services offered. Located a short distance on foot from the main attractions of the city, the hotel allows you to easily explore the historic center without the need for transportation. The presence of private parking is a great advantage for those arriving by car, given that parking can be problematic in the center of Siena.
The hotel offers comfortable and well-furnished rooms, many of which with panoramic views of the city. Among the services, Albergo Minerva includes a generous and varied breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour reception. Additionally, the staff is known for its courtesy and helpfulness, ready to provide advice and assistance to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
To book, click in the top right.