Italian diaries: One sunny day in Siena, Tuscany
There is something about the old city centres that don't allow car traffic within their walls. I am not sure whether it is the quiet, safety or visual clarity. Probably the combinations of all of these. Tuscany’s Siena is one of those cities. During my two week holiday in Florence in 2019, I decided to take a quick trip there as I was longing a change of environment from touristy streets. After only an hour drive, I found the perfect exit in this medieval UNESCO site. Visiting these untouched places always feels like travelling in time.
Thanks to its political and cultural rivalry against Florence during the Renaissance, they tried really hard and left us with plenty of things worth seeing. Here are just a few tips in no particular order, and then I will get straight to the pictures. Which is hopefully why you landed here :).
Siena's cathedral and the museum are home to the famous 'Madonna' by Duccio di Buoninsegna and the Biblioteca Piccolomini, a work of art itself. Uniquely-shaped Piazza del Campo with Fonte Gaia houses Palio horse race twice a year. Adjacent to the square is city council Palazzo Pubblico with its renowned bell tower that you can see in my photos. And of course - the Pinacoteca Nazionale, one of Italy's most impressive art galleries in the Palazzo Buonsignori. And one fun fact that you can sneak into a conversation - Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena is one of the first two banks in the world, founded in 1472.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Siena.
A quick detour on the way back to Florence. Just 30 minutes from Siena is a hidden gem - The Abbey of Saint Galgano between the towns of Chiusdino and Monticiano. At the moment, only roofless walls of the Gothic style church from the 13th-century.
For the last 10 years (ignoring 2020), I have been to Italy every year, sometimes even more than once. So brace yourselves for many more Italian blogs :).
