mtadams

I just read in a 2005 Italy guidebook something to the effect of "Don't park in the free parking lots outside the Siena walls unless you want your car stolen or broken into."

Does anyone have any opinions/experience regarding this? Does it matter if it is day or night?

Many thanks for any help or suggestions. This forum is a wonderful place to get information, and I'm hoping to give back when I have something to offer!

abbydog

Not sure about parking lots, but I parked on two separate days by meters on the public roads leading into Siena and had no problems. However, we weren't there after dark.

bobthenavigator

We have done it 3 times with no problems--all day time. There is a good covered lot just inside the Porta Tufi gate at the " Siena Sud" exit.

schnauzer

We parked in one of the carparks outside Sienna, can't remember which one though. It was within easy walking distance to the centre. The car was fine - no probs.

mtadams

schnauzer: do you remember if it was day time and/or night time when you used the lot? We're wondering about the safety of both, including overnight.

Thanks, all, for the help!

dorkforcemom

We parked in a free lot outside Siena's walls during the day with no problem. We do heed the warnings of not to leave anything in the car. We don't leave even a piece of paper in the car. We didn't have any problems.

schnauzer

It was only during the day. Like dorkforcemom we made sure nothing of value was in the car. We were coming from San Gim direction and really just followed the signs to parking. However, from memory we did pay so it obviously was not the 'free" parking you originally wanted info on. Sorry I missed that critical word!! In the guide book I used 2002 they gave Sienna parking's number as 0577/22871. They mention about $20 a day for parking, I guess that would have gone up a bit three years later. I think it could have been the parking at Fonte Nuovo. I do remember there being a choice and we just took a punt at one and just walked from there. I will ask the other half if his memory serves him better and get back to you if I have anything to report. Schnauzer

ZoraidaQH

Vara Superiore, 05-06-13

I have read all these comments and have taken notes of all . Very useful and thank you so much to you all.

I think we all should learn to leave tips to other travellers, special to get better deals and not to be taken for a ride. We were in Bologna last year and three times , we had a fine in less than 20minutes. This, as we did not see a small, almost hidden sign of the prohibition to non residents to drive in those small city centre roads. €210 that we paid to our great regret. (The fine arrived to our home in Italy two months later. So be careful !
Zoraida