Villas in Siena

With winding streets and red brick buildings, this charming medieval town is popular for its splendid architecture and spectacular villas in the Tuscan countryside that will delight anyone who stays. The city as well as offering the best accommodation is also home to a wealth of activities for all, as well as galleries and museums in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. Siena contains many interesting architectural treasures with beautiful stories that you should not miss out on discovering.

Siena's villas are a vacation paradise with swimming pools, gardens, hot tubs, and spectacular views of rolling hills and agricultural plantations. The Tuscan-style architecture combines classic old-world elements with modern touches that stand out in a romantic landscape. With some slight modern changes, the villas retain their classic décor with terracotta tiles and floors, stone walls, patios, mosaic floors, and outdoor wood-burning ovens.

For a romantic getaway in the Tuscan region, Siena offers tours of the enchanting vineyards for a pleasant afternoon in the company of your loved one. The traditional vineyard of the Cencioni family offers tastings of world-renowned wines and beautiful views of the hills. Climbing the Torre del Mangia on the other hand is also a popular activity. At 102 metres high, it is one of the highest secular towers in Italy. However, you will have to climb more than two hundred steps, but it is worth it to see the unparalleled views of Siena. After a long day, La Vecchia Latteria ice cream parlour is the best option for refreshment. You can enjoy tempting flavours and the best texture in all of Siena!

Exploring the Piazza del Campo is undoubtedly Siena's number one activity. This shell-shaped pavement is one of the most spectacular medieval squares in Europe and is full of local life, lively atmosphere, and sightseeing. Here you and your friends can find a variety of museums, taverns, restaurants, cafés, and shops. This is the main point to start exploring Siena. Highlights include the Torre del Mangia, the Gaia Fountain and the Palazzo Pubblico. The Piazza del Campo also hosts the famous Palio horse race. On 2 July and 16 August, you can't miss this celebration representing 10 districts of the city in a ten-horse race around the square three times.

Characterized by a black and white façade, Siena Cathedral is one of the city's most impressive attractions. See architecture that combines elements of Roman, French Gothic, and Classical architecture. Step inside and admire the floor filled with esoteric symbols, discover the spectacular frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Piccolomini Library and see the statues by Michelangelo in the Piccolomini Chapel. This iconic cathedral itself is a work of art not to be missed.

Located within the Palazzo Pubblico, the Civic Museum is another attraction that will delight you with its art. It houses artefacts from Siena, fantastic works of art including original frescoes and a collection of gilded religious objects. Discover Ambrogio Lorenzetti's cycle of frescoes depicting the Allegory of Good and Bad Government and explore the vision of this wonderful city's history. Other highlights of the museum include the Hall of the Globe and one of the most important works of the 14th century, the fresco of the Madonna and Child on a throne.

Located in the heart of Siena, La Taverna di San Giuseppe is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. This restaurant with Michelin award-winning chefs specializes in Sienese dishes such as truffles, beef, porcini mushrooms, and fresh pasta. It also offers an extensive wine list that includes local, regional, and international wines that you can pair with delicious cheese. Enjoy a traditional dish while you relax in the rural atmosphere with dim lighting, stone walls, and a great selection of local and international wines.

Located in Piazza del Campo, Fonte Gaia is undoubtedly Siena's most prominent fountain. With underground pipes bringing water from 25 km away, Fonte Gaia is a feat of engineering, and as its name suggests, a 'joyful' fountain for those who witnessed the arrival of water for the first time in the square. During your visit to the city, take a photo next to this Renaissance work and admire its marble statues. This important fountain is a sight to behold.

Originally used as a hospital, Santa Maria della Scala is considered the “third artistic centre” of the city. This large complex, located opposite the cathedral, is now a museum housing historical artefacts from Etruscan times to the Renaissance. Take a tour, wander through the frescoed corridors that colour the history, and discover the dark crypts. Santa Maria della Scala is presented as one of the most significant multi-purpose cultural projects in Europe.

The Museo della Tortura is one of the most famous museums in the world. Delve into the grisly inhumanities and learn more about the dark secrets of the bloody medieval past. You will see various medieval instruments used to inflict pain. This museum is a revelation of what humans are capable of to subdue their fellow man and is not a place for the faint-hearted. However, if you are very curious, it will hold your attention.

La Lizza is the most popular market in Siena. Every Wednesday, you can see local traders selling their wares. Full of colour, good bargains, and surprises, browse the market, take home a special souvenir and buy fresh vegetables and fruits to prepare a delicious meal in your accommodation. The market also offers a glimpse of life in the city.