Exploring the Delightful Tuscan City of Siena

If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday filled with quiet walks and historical sightseeing, one of the delightful villas in Tuscany within reach of Siena may be just what you’re looking for. One of the best preserved medieval areas in the region, Siena is a great place to explore cultural landmarks, wonderful gardens, markets, and even healing thermal baths to soothe your body and mind.

With a host of other small towns around the area to explore, making your base near this lovely medieval town makes sense. Here are a few things about Siena that may convince you.

About Siena

Built over three hills, the city is considered one of the region's most beautiful, boasting a rich rolling landscape, with olive groves, vineyards and historic villas. In Tuscany, spectacular views are the norm, but Siena certainly has more than its fair share.

The city itself is sewn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, at the heart of which is Piazza del Campo. It is famous for the annual Palio, the historic horserace held around July to mid-August, as well as a host of other colourful festivals. The city is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which means that there’s plenty of activity throughout the year.

Where to Go

After you arrive, it can be quite tempting to just relax and lounge around your base: the slow steady pace, the warm golden sunlight, and the olive and citrus-tinged air can be quite wonderful to bask in - especially with a glass of wine and some bread and cheese. When you do finally drag yourself away from those villas in Tuscany, however, it's time to start exploring. Put on your most comfortable shoes and head out to discover all this wonderful city has to offer.

The plaza square is often the best place to head to get your bearings in the sometimes-confusing layout of the city. Every town or village in Italy has a centre, which is the hub of social and economic activity, and in Siena, this is the Piazza del Campo. It's loveliest feature is Fonte di Gaia, a beautiful water feature bordered by delicate sculptures; while its most imposing feature is the soaring Torre del Mangia – climb it if you dare, the views over the city and rolling hills is well worth it.

From the plaza, you can explore different cultural landmarks including the Palazzo Pubblico and then move on to the Duomo and St Maria della Scala. You also shouldn't miss a visit to the Piccolimini Library, the Opera Museum, the Baptistery, and the Oratory of San Bernardino.

The piazza and central attractions are just the starting point and there are so many more fascinating places to visit and things to see and enjoy in the vicinity, including museums, parks and gardens, underground waterways, thermal baths and, of course, wonderful restaurants and engaging locals.

Any of the excellent villas in Tuscany will give you an opportunity to immerse in the fabulous culture, art and history of this lovely region, but wherever you base yourself, you should consider adding Siena to your itinerary.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular villas in Tuscany or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.