Siena, Italy

Siena Vacation Travel Advice

Amazing Tuscany is one of the most famous Italian traveled regions. Its contribution to the world's cultural heritage is astounding, as it was a place where lived and worked such renowned masterminds as Donatello, Niccolo Machiavelli, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Dante Alighieri, Galileo Galilei, and even the father of paleontology and anatomy (among many other things), Leonardo da Vinci. Even that alone is a valid enough reason to stop by the region during your Italy travel. But there are so many more wonderful things to do and places to visit, that a quick pit-stop can easily turn in a full-time vacation and still it might not be enough time to see and experience everything Tuscany has to offer. And one of the fantastic places you can't miss during your grand adventure is a lovely city of Siena.

The postcard-like city seems like a perfect illustration in a history book. Boasting narrow medieval streets, red-brick buildings, architectural masterpieces, and plenty of small cozy cafes, Siena is ideal for a walking tour. And this is no better place to start it than the stunning Duomo of Siena. Even the best pictures can't do justice to the magnificent building that is going to take your breath away the moment you see it. Once, the rumor had it that even glorious Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica is going to pale in comparison to the Duomo of Siena! But if you think that the breathtaking facade is striking, wait until you go inside. The interiors are just splendid, boasting imposing walls of black and white marble, fantastic artworks, created by the hand of such geniuses like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and the cathedral's gem, the impressive floor mosaics.

Other amazing landmarks to put on your Siena travel bucket list are the Piazza Del Campo and the symbol of the city, the Tower of Mangia, offering spectacular views over the city. Although it's better to keep in mind that a price for admiring the jaw-dropping panoramas are a small ticket fee and 400 stairs you have to climb in order to reach the top.