Siena is located in Tuscany, one of the first places to visit after Florence, where one could enjoy the scenic view of the landscapes along the way.It is like a typical Tuscan hill town. Less than an hours drive through olive trees, vineyards, plantations of sunflowers and wild poppies that accompany you all the way to the city, where the famous 12th century Cathedral awaits you.
The Romanesque-Gothic architecture of the Cathedral is the main attraction that holds well preserved Renaissance frescos of Domenico Ghirlandaio, and, beneath the Duomo (Cathedral), in the baptistry is the baptismal font with bas-reliefs by Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Jacopo della Quercia and other 15th century sculptors. Inside the monument is the famous Gothic octagonal pulpit by Nicola Pisano (1266–1268) supported on lions, and the labyrinth inlaid in the flooring, traversed by penitents on their knees.
For a great showcase of Donatell0’s works please check out this great page from Artsy.
Then of course theres is the famous Piazza del Campo, the main town square where twice year the famous Palio (a horse race) takes place. The shell-shaped square houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. The Palazzo Pubblico, itself a great work of architecture that treasures important artworks like Ambrogio Lorenzetti‘s series of frescos on the good government and the results of good and bad government and also some of the finest frescoes of Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti.
Other churches in Siena areBasilica dell’Osservanza, Santa Maria dei Servi, San Domenico, San Francesco, Santo Spirito and San Martino. The Senese cuisine is a must to try. Look for a decent trattoria instead of opting for a bar or expensive restaurants. It is the right place for quality food at a good rate.
Special thanks to omnidreams