An itinerary among the city’s masterpieces and its most authentic delicacies
The visit begins with the majestic Duomo, the city’s famous Cathedral and one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic. Within, the gaze flutters from sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo to the frescoes in the Piccolomini Library and the extraordinary marble inlays on the famous floor, which all tell sacred stories with unparalleled artistry.
Opposite the Cathedral is the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex, once a medieval hospital dedicated to pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena.
Today, it is a fascinating museum space that preserves frescoes, archaeological finds and remnants form city life over the centuries.
After admiring so much beauty, a short walk through the surrounding streets allows you to discover some of the city’s most renowned pâtisseries. Here, you can stop to enjoy ricciarelli, soft almond-flavored cookies coated in powdered sugar, whose recipe has its roots in the Middle Ages. Perfectly paired with an espresso or a glass of Vin Santo, they provide a break of authentic sweetness.
The visit begins with the majestic Duomo, the city’s famous Cathedral and one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic. Within, the gaze flutters from sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo to the frescoes in the Piccolomini Library and the extraordinary marble inlays on the famous floor, which all tell sacred stories with unparalleled artistry.
Opposite the Cathedral is the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex, once a medieval hospital dedicated to pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena.
Today, it is a fascinating museum space that preserves frescoes, archaeological finds and remnants form city life over the centuries.
After admiring so much beauty, a short walk through the surrounding streets allows you to discover some of the city’s most renowned pâtisseries. Here, you can stop to enjoy ricciarelli, soft almond-flavored cookies coated in powdered sugar, whose recipe has its roots in the Middle Ages. Perfectly paired with an espresso or a glass of Vin Santo, they provide a break of authentic sweetness.
The Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Picture Gallery) safeguards the most comprehensive collection of works with a gold background from the 14ᵗʰ and 15ᵗʰ centuries in Siena. Since 1932, the museum has been housed in the Palazzi Buonsignori e Brigidi, where a chronological itinerary narrates the evolution of Sienese painting.
The first floor showcases a Mannerist influence through the works of Domenico Beccafumi, Il Sodoma and Marco Pino.
The second floor houses masterpieces by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, the Lorenzetti brothers, before continuing to the 15ᵗʰ century with works by Giovanni di Paolo, Sano di Pietro, Sassetta and Vecchietta. The visit concludes with a section devoted to the Sienese 17ᵗʰ century.
After exploring the halls of the Picture Gallery, you may enjoy a slightly longer break.
Wandering the central streets of Siena, you are sure to stumble across a typical Osteria where you can sample Crostini Neri (with chicken liver pâté), cold cuts of Cinta Senese, Pici all’Aglione (typical Siena pasta with garlic), to conclude with a taste of Cinghiale (wild boar), one of the highlights of Siena’s cuisine.
But be sure to leave some room for sweets because the itinerary continues!
The Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Picture Gallery) safeguards the most comprehensive collection of works with a gold background from the 14ᵗʰ and 15ᵗʰ centuries in Siena. Since 1932, the museum has been housed in the Palazzi Buonsignori e Brigidi, where a chronological itinerary narrates the evolution of Sienese painting.
The first floor showcases a Mannerist influence through the works of Domenico Beccafumi, Il Sodoma and Marco Pino.
The second floor houses masterpieces by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, the Lorenzetti brothers, before continuing to the 15ᵗʰ century with works by Giovanni di Paolo, Sano di Pietro, Sassetta and Vecchietta. The visit concludes with a section devoted to the Sienese 17ᵗʰ century.
After exploring the halls of the Picture Gallery, you may enjoy a slightly longer break.
Wandering the central streets of Siena, you are sure to stumble across a typical Osteria where you can sample Crostini Neri (with chicken liver pâté), cold cuts of Cinta Senese, Pici all’Aglione (typical Siena pasta with garlic), to conclude with a taste of Cinghiale (wild boar), one of the highlights of Siena’s cuisine.
But be sure to leave some room for sweets because the itinerary continues!
Descending toward the heart of the city, you’ll come to Piazza del Campo, famous for its shell shape and for hosting the Palio. Here, you can admire the majestic Palazzo Pubblico and the 288-feet (88-meter) Torre del Mangia, which offers spectacular views over Siena.
After walking around the Piazza and breathing in the unique atmosphere, it is a good time to discover Panforte, yet another of Siena’s signature sweets. This ancient medieval dessert, made with honey, dried fruits and spices, is perfect for an energy recharge before continuing your visit.
Savoring Panforte in one of the city’s historic pâtisseries means savoring traditional flavors in a unique setting.
Descending toward the heart of the city, you’ll come to Piazza del Campo, famous for its shell shape and for hosting the Palio. Here, you can admire the majestic Palazzo Pubblico and the 288-feet (88-meter) Torre del Mangia, which offers spectacular views over Siena.
After walking around the Piazza and breathing in the unique atmosphere, it is a good time to discover Panforte, yet another of Siena’s signature sweets. This ancient medieval dessert, made with honey, dried fruits and spices, is perfect for an energy recharge before continuing your visit.
Savoring Panforte in one of the city’s historic pâtisseries means savoring traditional flavors in a unique setting.
The itinerary ends at the Basilica of San Domenico, one of the most iconic places of Sienese spirituality. The sober and simple interior holds the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena, patron saint of Italy, and conveys a sense of reflection and depth.
After this visit is the perfect time to indulge in one last taste of Sienese tradition: Cavallucci. These rustic cookies, made with walnuts, honey and spices, have ancient origins and an unmistakable taste, perfect accompanied by a glass of Vin Santo. The origin of these cookies is quite interesting. In fact, they were offered to travelers passing by on horseback since they were nutritious and easy to eat even on long trips in the saddle. Hence the name “cavallucci” (“little horses”).
The itinerary ends at the Basilica of San Domenico, one of the most iconic places of Sienese spirituality. The sober and simple interior holds the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena, patron saint of Italy, and conveys a sense of reflection and depth.
After this visit is the perfect time to indulge in one last taste of Sienese tradition: Cavallucci. These rustic cookies, made with walnuts, honey and spices, have ancient origins and an unmistakable taste, perfect accompanied by a glass of Vin Santo. The origin of these cookies is quite interesting. In fact, they were offered to travelers passing by on horseback since they were nutritious and easy to eat even on long trips in the saddle. Hence the name “cavallucci” (“little horses”).