Siena is one of Tuscany's most beautiful and picturesque historic towns. A Medieval gem famous for its iconic annual Palio horse race that takes place in the historical core of the the city each summer, it is a place where it appears as if time has long stood still. Come and wander her paved streets past stunning churches and incredible palaces, sample local delights, sip coffee or eat ice-cream while people-watching in bustling piazze, taste delicious wines produced in the verdant and breath-taking landscape that surrounds, visit amazing museums and galleries, and delve into the surprisingly long list of things to see and do in this astounding little city. If you want to experience a Tuscan city rich in culture, attractions, and charm but you want to avoid the somewhat bigger crowds of the likes of Florence, then you should definitely browse our villas in Siena and get booking a holiday today!
If you need more convincing as to why you should choose a vacation in Siena, here are just five of many great reasons to plan a holiday in the city...
If you need more convincing as to why you should choose a vacation in Siena, here are just five of many great reasons to plan a holiday in the city...
1. It's An Excellent Spot For Those With A Sweet Tooth...
There are other reasons to plan a holiday in Siena that may occur first to others but for travelling foodies, particularly those with a sweet tooth, Siena is a key vacation destination in Tuscany! All throughout the city, you will pass little pastry shops called pasticcerie from which the scent of delicious goods wafts. Give into the temptation and allow yourself to be lured inside as Siena is famous for her desserts and baked goods and they must be sampled. The city has produced many iconic biscuits and pastries that go down a treat with coffee to keep you energised as you explore the city and, also, can be bought as wonderful souvenirs for those at home. Some of the most famous examples are cavallucci and ricciarelli biscuits and the spicy and charming panforte cake. Siena is also home to lots of excellent cafes (read our guide here), restaurants serving local savoury delights like pici pasta, and bars serving up great local wines and dessert wines. While the sweet treats certainly abound in Siena, foodies will find all sorts of tasty things to eat and drink in town.
There are other reasons to plan a holiday in Siena that may occur first to others but for travelling foodies, particularly those with a sweet tooth, Siena is a key vacation destination in Tuscany! All throughout the city, you will pass little pastry shops called pasticcerie from which the scent of delicious goods wafts. Give into the temptation and allow yourself to be lured inside as Siena is famous for her desserts and baked goods and they must be sampled. The city has produced many iconic biscuits and pastries that go down a treat with coffee to keep you energised as you explore the city and, also, can be bought as wonderful souvenirs for those at home. Some of the most famous examples are cavallucci and ricciarelli biscuits and the spicy and charming panforte cake. Siena is also home to lots of excellent cafes (read our guide here), restaurants serving local savoury delights like pici pasta, and bars serving up great local wines and dessert wines. While the sweet treats certainly abound in Siena, foodies will find all sorts of tasty things to eat and drink in town.
2. The Palio Can't Be Missed By Thrill-seekers...
Another of the things that Siena is famous for - in fact, the thing for which it is most famous - is the aforementioned annual Palio horse race. The Palio di Siena takes place in the central Piazza del Campo on the 2nd of July and on the 16th August each year with a horse and jockey representing the different contrade (or districts) of Siena in the race. As there are 17 contrade in total, for safety reasons, only ten horses compete on each date, which are chosen in smaller events leading up to the Palio. Before the actual race begins, a parade of military police wielding swords on horseback, flag-bearers, and trumpeters move through the streets filled with thousands of spectators, adding to the pomp and ceremony and excitement of the event. Jockeys ride bareback and horses are known to have won without their jockey actually making it to the finish line with them! One of the most adrenaline-fuelled races in the world, sports fans should definitely browse our villas with pools in Siena and plan a trip to see this extraordinary event for themselves.
Another of the things that Siena is famous for - in fact, the thing for which it is most famous - is the aforementioned annual Palio horse race. The Palio di Siena takes place in the central Piazza del Campo on the 2nd of July and on the 16th August each year with a horse and jockey representing the different contrade (or districts) of Siena in the race. As there are 17 contrade in total, for safety reasons, only ten horses compete on each date, which are chosen in smaller events leading up to the Palio. Before the actual race begins, a parade of military police wielding swords on horseback, flag-bearers, and trumpeters move through the streets filled with thousands of spectators, adding to the pomp and ceremony and excitement of the event. Jockeys ride bareback and horses are known to have won without their jockey actually making it to the finish line with them! One of the most adrenaline-fuelled races in the world, sports fans should definitely browse our villas with pools in Siena and plan a trip to see this extraordinary event for themselves.
3. You're Perfectly Placed To Explore The Gorgeous Tuscan Countryside...
Located between the wine regions of Chianti and Montalcino and just north of the Val d'Orcia, the city of Siena is nestled between some of the most lush and stunning landscapes in Italy. If you have found a villa in Siena, you should be sure to rent a car and head out to explore the area that surrounds the city as you will be truly amazed at just how beautiful it really is. While you're out and about, you might also decide to go and visit a winery to learn more about the wine-making process and to try a guided tasting session. You should definitely make sure you bring your camera and that your phone is charged so that you can take some very pretty commemorative photos. (Pro-tip, if you can time some of your visit during golden hour, you will get the most stunning photos of this part of the world as it is bathed in soft, golden light.) Maybe even pack a picnic to enjoy while you explore. Or seek out a hiking route to enjoy in the area. The options are endless as this impossibly picturesque little corner of the world is your oyster!
Located between the wine regions of Chianti and Montalcino and just north of the Val d'Orcia, the city of Siena is nestled between some of the most lush and stunning landscapes in Italy. If you have found a villa in Siena, you should be sure to rent a car and head out to explore the area that surrounds the city as you will be truly amazed at just how beautiful it really is. While you're out and about, you might also decide to go and visit a winery to learn more about the wine-making process and to try a guided tasting session. You should definitely make sure you bring your camera and that your phone is charged so that you can take some very pretty commemorative photos. (Pro-tip, if you can time some of your visit during golden hour, you will get the most stunning photos of this part of the world as it is bathed in soft, golden light.) Maybe even pack a picnic to enjoy while you explore. Or seek out a hiking route to enjoy in the area. The options are endless as this impossibly picturesque little corner of the world is your oyster!
4. There Are Some Amazing Museums To Visit...
Tuscany is home to lots of amazing museums, galleries, libraries, churches, architectural gems, works of art, and more. Many of these incredible attractions are world-famous gems and must-sees but if you don't fancy spending hours queueing while on holiday, then a villa in Siena and visits to her less well-known (but no less excellent) local museums is a great idea! In the city of Siena, you will find a whole host of museums including the Pinacoteca Nazionale, a recently renovated art gallery that is housed in the 14th century Palazzo Buonsignori and is home to an extraordinary collection of Gothic masterpieces from the Sienese school. Siena, in fact, has a very rich artistic heritage and was a major art centre during the Middle Ages and Renaissance that once rivalled Florence. Many of the exceptional works commissioned in this period still remain in the churches, galleries, and public buildings in Siena. The style in Siena always remained largely traditional and decorative and, even throughout the Renaissance, it was somewhat Gothic in style. An amazing collection of these beautiful, ornate, colourful pieces can be admired in the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Other excellent museums in town include Museo dell'Opera, the Museo Civico, the stunning gem that is Palazzo Chigi Saracini, and others. In addition, the city's churches and other public spaces such as the Libreria Piccolomini and the former convent of Santa Mustiola, which now houses the MUSNAF natural history museum, are also home to extraordinary collections.
Tuscany is home to lots of amazing museums, galleries, libraries, churches, architectural gems, works of art, and more. Many of these incredible attractions are world-famous gems and must-sees but if you don't fancy spending hours queueing while on holiday, then a villa in Siena and visits to her less well-known (but no less excellent) local museums is a great idea! In the city of Siena, you will find a whole host of museums including the Pinacoteca Nazionale, a recently renovated art gallery that is housed in the 14th century Palazzo Buonsignori and is home to an extraordinary collection of Gothic masterpieces from the Sienese school. Siena, in fact, has a very rich artistic heritage and was a major art centre during the Middle Ages and Renaissance that once rivalled Florence. Many of the exceptional works commissioned in this period still remain in the churches, galleries, and public buildings in Siena. The style in Siena always remained largely traditional and decorative and, even throughout the Renaissance, it was somewhat Gothic in style. An amazing collection of these beautiful, ornate, colourful pieces can be admired in the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Other excellent museums in town include Museo dell'Opera, the Museo Civico, the stunning gem that is Palazzo Chigi Saracini, and others. In addition, the city's churches and other public spaces such as the Libreria Piccolomini and the former convent of Santa Mustiola, which now houses the MUSNAF natural history museum, are also home to extraordinary collections.
5. It Is An Excellent Place To Soak Up The Atmosphere Of Tuscany...
From the groups of friends sitting out in piazze chatting to each other, to the regulars popping in to pick up their usual in cafes, to the people flocking to the massive market that happens near the old fortress each Wednesday, Siena is a vibrant city that is alive with excitement and energy but isn't overly flooded with tourism. If you want a taste of life in Tuscany, a perfectly pretty and scenic Tuscan setting, lots of history and cultural heritage to dive into, and delicious local treats to try, but not too much watered-down nonsense designed merely to entice visitors, then this is the town for you! Browse our villas with pools in Siena and come experience the unique charms and appeal of this real gem of a city in Tuscany for yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? These are just five reasons to plan a vacation in Siena but there are many more!
From the groups of friends sitting out in piazze chatting to each other, to the regulars popping in to pick up their usual in cafes, to the people flocking to the massive market that happens near the old fortress each Wednesday, Siena is a vibrant city that is alive with excitement and energy but isn't overly flooded with tourism. If you want a taste of life in Tuscany, a perfectly pretty and scenic Tuscan setting, lots of history and cultural heritage to dive into, and delicious local treats to try, but not too much watered-down nonsense designed merely to entice visitors, then this is the town for you! Browse our villas with pools in Siena and come experience the unique charms and appeal of this real gem of a city in Tuscany for yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? These are just five reasons to plan a vacation in Siena but there are many more!
