Siena has a perfectly preserved medieval old city. Many people heard about the central Piazza del Campo, and those who didn't hear, probably saw it in various films. For example, recently James Bond has been there in Quantum of Solace.
The movie shows the Palio, famous competition between the urban districts, which is held on July 2 and August 16. Siena is divided into 17 districts (Contradas) and they compete in horse racing on the central square. Each district has its own symbol - an animal. While walking around the city, pay attention to the houses, you can see signs with animals and Contrada names.
Most of the streets of the old city looks like the one on the next photo.
Siena ©Yuriy Buriak
You can get lost, so follow the signs or follow other people to get to the Piazza del Campo. The central square is the main attraction of the city and one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. It's possible to climb the City Hall tower but without a lift.
Siena ©Yuriy Buriak
Not far from the square is Duomo (1215 - 1263), the most important monument of Italian Gothic architecture.
Siena ©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: There's an airport in Siena, but seems that it's not working. The nearest operating airports are in Florence, Pisa, and Bologna. Every hour trains go from Florence and Empoli to Siena. Bus from Florence goes 1 hour and 20 minutes, from Rome 3 hours. Here you can find a map and timetables of the buses in the Siena region. We came by car and spent 15 minutes to find a free parking place near the city walls.
