Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Siena
Unesco includes Siena's
centro storico
(historical centre) in its famed World
Heritage list, citing it as the living embodiment of a medieval city. Easily ex-
plored in a day, the glories of its Gothic architecture and art provide a fascinat-
ing contrast to the Renaissance splendor that is so evident in Florence, making it
a compelling side trip.
The Sights in a Day
Upon arrival, make your way to the
Piazza del Campo
(
Click here
)
and join
the locals knocking back their espressos at
Bar Il Palio
(
Click here
). Next on
the agenda should be the magnificent
Museo Civico
(
Click here
), with its peerless col-
lection of 14th-century secular art.
Enjoy lunch at elegant
Enoteca I Terzi
(
Click here
)
, popular with bankers from
the headquarters of the nearby Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world's old-
est bank. Afterwards, head to the
Opera della Metropolitana di Siena
(
Click here
)
, vis-
iting its
duomo
(cathedral),
battistero
(baptistry) and other attractions. At the end of your
visit, pop over to the
Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala
(
Click here
)
, on the
opposite side of Piazza del Duomo, to see its famous
Pellegrinaio
(Pilgrim's Hall).
Before heading back to Florence, enjoy a late-afternoon walk around the tranquil
Orto de' Pecci
(
Click here
)
or opt for a glass of Tuscan
vino
(wine) at
Enoteca
Italiana
(
Click here
)
inside the Medici Fortress on the centre's eastern edge.
