Hotels in Siena

Siena: Medieval City in the Heart of Tuscany

Siena is a medieval city in the heart of Tuscany, 68 km south of Florence. Built on three hills, its historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city's identity centres on Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square that has hosted the Palio horse race twice yearly since at least 1633. Seventeen contrade — historic civic districts — still compete in the Palio each July 2nd and August 16th, giving Siena a community structure unchanged for centuries.

Visitors come for Gothic architecture, medieval streetscapes, and Sienese School paintings. The Duomo di Siena, begun in the 13th century, holds Nicola Pisano's pulpit (1268) and a floor of 56 inlaid marble panels. The Pinacoteca Nazionale holds works by Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini. Most hotels concentrate in the Città Vecchia (old city) near Piazza del Campo, in the Terzo di Camollia district along Via Banchi di Sopra, and just outside the city walls where parking is easier.

Siena's Piazza Gramsci is the main bus hub, with regular Tiemme and Flixbus services connecting to Florence (1h15m), Rome (2h30m), and Pisa. The nearest train station, Siena FS, sits 1.5 km downhill from the historic centre with shuttle bus links.