Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is famous for being the venue of the famous Palio, a biannual horse race. This is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a more authentic slice of Italy and a true taste of history, with meandering streets, Medieval walls and elegant squares at every turn. With countless attractions and inspiring architecture, it's little wonder that Siena is so popular with Italians and foreigners alike. If travellers are taking the train to Siena, the final stop will be Siena railway station. Almost all of the services to this transport hub are operated by Trenitalia and Italo. The train to Siena from Rome takes around 3h50mins, with at least one transfer required at nearby Chiusi.
Like many Italian cities, Siena has an old town that is closed off to road traffic, meaning it can only be navigated on foot. As most of the city’s main attractions can be found here, visitors will want to dust off their comfortable shoes! One of the most popular attractions is the Piazza del Campo, a 20-minute walk from Siena train station. This famous square, known for its distinctive shell-shaped formation, is the venue for the Palio of Siena horse-racing event. And, serving as the historic heart of the city, it is regarded as one of Europe's finest examples of Medieval squares. It's in this historic heart of the city that visitors will find some of the best tourist attractions in town. The Torre del Mangia is an essential stop on any walking tour of the city, standing 88 metres high with its impressive clock and terrace, which provides breath-taking views over its amazing Tuscan surroundings. This is an ideal spot to relax and unwind! Continuing on a tour of the city, after a 3-minute walk, visitors will reach another essential stop on Via Fusari — the Duomo di Siena. This monochrome, marble structure stands proud with its original pillars, precious mosaics and frescoes. Finally, behind here, tourists will find the Battistero di San Giovanni, located on a square of the same name. Visitors should be sure to reach for the camera and take some magnificent mementos of the many bronze and marble statues and features that populate the area.
To end the day, travellers can enjoy a mouth-watering meal, involving some of Siena’s culinary favourites, such as Pici (a type of pasta), Crostini neri (a traditional recipe, often served as a starter), or Fagioli all'uccelletto (a dish with braised beans).