What's good to see in Siena Italy?
 

Ive a real interest in going to visit siena while we are going a tour of Italy in September. Has anyone been before and have any recommendations of things to see and do while there for a day? Any non touristy things like markets or restaurants that you have come across would be great also.

I have a great interest in seeing the piazza del campo. can anyone tell me if you can go up to the see the top of the tower at all or is it closed off to the public. Thanks

Dorsaneo:

We were in Siena, as a day trip from Firenze, a few days ago.
--Yes yo can go up the tower(we didn´t), I thik the name is Torre del Mangia.
--you must visit the main square , where the Palio takes place.
--You cannot miss the complex of the Duomo(Battisterio included).
One of the most beautiful churches you can visit,with marvelous floor and architecture.
And once inside, please see the Piccolomini Library(on the side, to your left).One of the most beautiful experiences in the world, IMO.You can google it.

One day is morethan enough to see those attractions, maybe other persons will add more tips.

Enjoy!

The view from the top of the tower is magnificent. And the cathedral is one of the most gorgeous on earth.

You know what? Take a look...
http://onelittleworld.zenfolio.com/p323046587

I thought the library in the Siena Duomo was "meh" but I adore the floor mosaics.

Good advice above. You can also see the head of St. Catherine of Siena at the Basilica Domenico there, if you're into such things. That's one of the things I remember most about Siena.

The Palazzo Publico has some nifty murals and other interesting things.

In addition to the Tower, you can also get good views over Siena from the Museo del Opera attached to the Catedrale--lots of other treasures in the Museo.

Antica Osteria da Divo Restaurant was very good when we ate there and still looks good on Tripadvisor.

One day is enough to see all of this.

I am so glad hat someone mentioned the head of St Catherine. What could be more Italian? This whole area is choc a bloc with churches full of sanctified body psrts!

- Il Campo - Main Square
City Hall
Torre del Mangia
Chapel at base of Tower
Fountain of Joy
Civic Museum
Santa Maria della Scala

- Duomo -Correr marble pulpit on backs of lions,
Michelangelo statues, Bernini sculptures, inlaid
marble floors, stain glass windows (copy of
Duccio's Rose Window)
Piccolomini Library
Statues -Heads of 172 popes
Slaughter of the Innocents
Berini's Chapel
Piccolomini Altar

- Duomo Museum -Original of Duccio Rose Window, Donatello's
Madonna and Child, Pisano's scultpures -
ground floor
Upstairs on left - Duccio's Maesta

- Baptistry - Bronze panels, Angels by Ghiberti, Donatello
adorning pedistal of baptismal font; Crypt

- Santa Maria della Scala - see St. Catherine's Oratory, the
small chapel where she prayed & rec'd visions.
Nail said to be from Jesus' cross is on altar

- Church of San Domenico - see thumb of St. Catherine and
chain she used to scourge herself with, her head
is atop altar in chapel (15 ft to left)

- Sanctuary of St. Catherine - her home. She helped convince
Pope to return to Rome from France. See
wooden crucifix when rec'd stigmata (in church
on right), down stairs on left of ktichen is
her room

- Church of St. Francis - google "Eucharistic miracle of
Siena" for more info

Agree that Antica Osteria da Divo was very good! Also, La Taverna di San Giuseppe was very good!

thank you everyone for you replies they are so helpful. mr_go i loved your photo's they are brilliant. Thanks for sharing them with me. I must def take a look into some of your suggestions and see what would suit. :)

Well, I often go to see saint's body parts. It's a weird remnant of a very superstitious faith and let's face it, Italy was a very Catholic country.

It's just as easy to say "what could be more Italian" than Renaissance art? There is a lot of that around, and as visitors, we often think of it when we think of Italy. Same for saints' fingers.

What could be more American than a giant plate of French fries? It's not flattering, but it's true. If one went to say, Texas, and saw some folks wearing cowboy hats and carrying guns, would we be insulted if that was thought of as one of those things that are in the category of "what could be more American?" I wouldn't.

Can't tourists have a sense of whimsy and amusement at the parts of a culture that amuse and entertains them? Me, I go for fun.

I've read a lot about Sienese culture and history, but quite honestly, none of that is apparent or available to me as a casual visitor. Catherine's head, however, is.

Now back to Siena: Wednesday is market day, but it is one of those everyday general markets that you see in many Italian towns: inexpensive clothing, household goods, etc.

Something I like about Siena is being there in the early evening when the shops open. The streets become crowded and there is interesting window shopping and people watching.

So sad !

Which part?

1) Mosaics in the cathedral floor http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/allt...mosaic-floor/e
One of the most stunning things I have seen

TLE: The part that got deleted.

Siena Duomo floors are just beautiful. There is a very nice gift shop there and I bought Florentine paper goods there at a good price. Wish I had bought a half dozen more for gifts. Easy to pack.

Agree re the Duomo. Quite underrated.

Disturbed by your screen name - sounds like a recently minted Texas lawyer (Dorsaneo is a prof who writes Texas legal guides).