This walk invites you to explore Siena’s layered history.  We will wander through Siena’s medieval streets, pause in its famous piazza, and visit landmarks that reflect the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Along the way, enjoy the rhythm of local life and discover why Siena remains one of Tuscany’s most captivating hill towns.

Palazzo Pubblico & Torre del Mangia

Next, we’ll explore the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s Gothic town hall, which has anchored Piazza del Campo since the late 13th century. Inside, the Museo Civico preserves masterpieces like Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Allegory of Good and Bad Government,” a fresco cycle that shaped political thought in Renaissance Italy. Rising beside it, the Torre del Mangia—built between 1338 and 1348—was designed to match the cathedral’s height, symbolizing the balance between church and state. Climb its 400 steps for sweeping Tuscan views. Open daily: March–October 10:00–19:00; November–February 10:00–16:00. Closed Christmas Day. Admission: €10 for the tower; €10 for the museum; combined tickets available (€20 for tower, museum, and Santa Maria della Scala). Tickets sold on-site only.

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)

Now, we’ll make our way to the Duomo di Siena, a triumph of Italian Gothic architecture dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it dazzles with black-and-white marble stripes, a richly sculpted façade, and treasures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Pisano. Inside, the inlaid marble floor—uncovered from late June to mid-October—depicts biblical scenes in extraordinary detail. The cathedral also houses the Piccolomini Library and access to the crypt and baptistery via the OPA SI Pass. Open March–October: Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 13:30–18:00; winter hours shorter. Admission: €14 (regular), €16 when the floor is uncovered; free for children under 6. The OPA SI Pass (€21) includes all sites in the complex and is valid for three days.

Baptistery of San Giovanni

Next, we’ll descend beneath the Duomo to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, built in the early 14th century and adorned with frescoes by Vecchietta and others. Its centerpiece is the hexagonal baptismal font (1417–1431), a Renaissance masterpiece in marble and bronze featuring panels by Donatello, Ghiberti, and Jacopo della Quercia. Scenes like Donatello’s “Feast of Herod” showcase early perspective and dramatic storytelling. Open daily: April–October 10:00–19:00; November–March 10:30–17:30. Admission included in the OPA SI Pass or €6 as part of a combined ticket.

San Domenico Basilica

From here, we’ll head north to the Basilica of San Domenico, begun in 1226 and closely tied to St. Catherine of Siena, whose relics—including her head—are enshrined here. Inside, chapels display frescoes by Sodoma depicting Catherine’s life and mystical visions. Open daily: March–October 7:00–18:30; November–February 8:30–18:00. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. This is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and avoid visiting during Mass.

San Francesco Basilica

From here, we’ll continue southeast to the Basilica of San Francesco, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Reflecting the Franciscan ideal of simplicity, it features a vast single nave and sober brick façade. Inside, look for frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and the chapel housing the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena—351 consecrated hosts that have remained intact since 1730. Open daily: 7:30–12:00 and 15:30–19:00. Admission is free. This peaceful stop offers a reflective pause before we make our way back toward the city center.

Consorzio Agrario di Siena

Just across the street from Piazza Salimbeni, we’ll stop at the Consorzio Agrario di Siena, a cooperative founded in the late 19th century to support local farmers. Today, it’s a showcase of Tuscan flavors, offering extra-virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese, handmade pasta, and Chianti wines. This is an excellent spot to pick up authentic gifts or sample regional specialties that reflect Siena’s agricultural heritage. Open Monday–Saturday 8:30–19:30; closed Sundays. Admission is free, and purchases are optional—but hard to resist!