Siena, Italy

 Frozen in Time

Siena is one of those magical places that seems like it is frozen in time, very little has changed for almost 700 years. It is one of the largest, most intact Medieval towns in Italy, if not Europe. It is very easy to fall in love with this enchanting city with so much to see and do; the Duomo (Siena's Cathedral), Piazza del Campo ( one of the largest piazzas in Italy) and the various museums across the city. Located in the heart of Tuscany, it is most worthy of a day trip even if you have a very short stay in Tuscany. Stay for two days if you can.  Located approximately an hour due south of Florence, it is easily reachable by  north/south and east/west highways.

Sadly, the plague of 1348 decimated the population of the then thriving Medieval metropolis and it never recovered. As unfortunate as that was, their loss has been our gain. Except for a few cars, the old town looks just as it did in the 1300's. Siena just has a certain feel, a real vibrancy that comes form the many people that crowd its streets and piazzas at all times during the day; regular working folks, tourists and students. It has a coziness that is comfortable because it is real Italian life. The passeggiata, a time-honored tradition in which the whole town strolls at dusk, is alive and well and really is a sight to behold. Most of the strolling is along the main shopping streets, Via Banchi di Sopra and Via di Citta. They contain lots of small shops to browse and make for a more intimate, interesting, and unique shopping experience in the often independently-owned places dotted around the center.  On Via Banchi di Sopra you'll find an array of boutiques selling clothes, bags, and shoes among other things and Via di Citta is home to shops with souvenirs and handcrafted goods made in the area. There are a great abundance of restaurants along the Piazza del Campo and throughout the historic center, all good! Our favorite is Trattoria Del Torre, located along side the Torre del Mangia, the main tower of the il Campo. It is very small, with 6 -7 tables, and has been family run for generations. If you get there right as it opens you can see them drying the home-made pasta on the tables. Try it, you will love it!

A universal symbol of the city, the distinct formation of the Piazza del Campo is just one of the reasons why UNESCO recognizes Siena as the ideal embodiment of a medieval city. Built in the exact place where the three antique hilltop towns sloped together, before eventually combining to create the community of Siena. The main square, called "il Campo was built on the intersection of three main roads that lead to Siena. It was originally planned in the 1200's to be a place were political and civic holidays could be celebrated.  The homogeneous architectural form was directed early-on to achieve what is today a square that is unique to the world. The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia. If you feel energetic, a climb up the over 500 steps will reward you with a wonderful view of Siena and its surroundings.

Siena is also know for the Palio, the most important event in Siena taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year. In the Palio, the various Sienese "contrade", or areas in which the city is divided, challenge each other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city in the Campo. Originally, there were about fifty-nine "Contrade"; now only seventeen remain, ten of which take part in the historical pageant and in the race at each Palio. Each Contrada has its own unique emblem and colors and represents an area of the city. As one walks through the streets of Siena it is easy to know in which Contrada you currently are in by observing the flags and emblems displayed along the street. Although somewhat common in Tuscany, Siena takes it very seriously and just adds to the charm. 

Siena is a very walkable city with numerous side streets, small alleys and main avenues that are more than fun to explore. Wonderful architecture, unique sights, ancient churches and just about the most fascinating street plan in Tuscany. Allow yourself to get lost, really lost and just wonder about. You will be rewarded with a true Italian experience and discover treasures of your own to include great views of the countryside. This is one of our favorite things to do. You will be amazed at the variety of restaurants, from quaint mom and pop pizza places to up-scale dining. But most importantly you will be taken by the friendly local residents that enjoy visitors. Siena is a must see.