Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Siena Mobilità operates city bus services (€1.10 per 90 minutes). Buses 8 and 9 run
between the train station and Piazza Gramsci.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
There's a ZTL in the historical centre, although visitors can drop off luggage at their hotel,
then get out (don't forget to have reception report your licence number or risk receiving a
hefty fine).
Large, conveniently located car parks are at the Stadio Comunale and around the
Fortezza Medicea, both just north of Piazza San Domenico. Some free street parking (look
for white lines) is available in Viale Vittorio Veneto, on the southern edge of the Fortezza
Medicea, but it is hotly contested. The paid car parks at San Francesco and Santa Caterina
(aka Fontebranda) each have a
scala mobile
(escalator) to take you up into the centre.
All paid car parks charge €1.70 per hour. For more information on parking, go to
www.sienaparcheggi.com
(in Italian).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Chianti
The ancient vineyards in this postcard-perfect part of Tuscany produce the grapes used in
Chianti Classico, a Sangiovese-dominated drop sold under the Gallo Nero (Black Cocker-
el/Rooster) trademark.
Split between the provinces of Florence (Chianti Fiorentino) and Siena (Chianti
Sienese), Chianti is usually accessed via the SR222 (Via Chiantigiana) and is criss-crossed
by a picturesque network of
strade provinciale
(provincial roads) and
strade secondaria
(secondary roads), some of which are unsealed. You'll pass immaculately maintained
vineyards and olive groves, honey-coloured stone farmhouses, graceful Romanesque
pieve
(rural churches), handsome Renaissance villas and imposing castles built by
Florentine and Sienese warlords during the Middle Ages.
For information about the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico (the high-profile consorti-
um of local producers), go to
www.chianticlassico.com/en
.
