Siena in 1 Day – A Different Perspective
One perfect day in Siena—A little bit of history, a lot of ambience, good food, and culture, with time to enjoy it all. Plus shopping!! You will love the different perspecive.
Welcome to Siena, a perfect town to visit in one day! You will probably need a rental car to get to Siena and other Hill Towns in Tuscany. If so, click on this LINK.
Background:
Siena is the capital of the Siena province and is home to just over 50,000 people. Today, it is a cultural and culinary center, in the middle of the Tuscan region.
What you need to know about Siena before visiting:
Contrade: Siena is divided into 17 contrade, or neighborhoods, which are extremely important to the people who live there. You are born into your contrada, baptized in your contrada, married in your contrada, and eulogized in your contrada. As such, you are very loyal to your neighborhood. Each contrada has its own terrirory and square, its own fountain and baptismal font, and its own mascot and flag.
The 17 contrade are long-time rivals and include: Lupa (She-Wolf), Istrice (Porcupine), Bruco (Caterpillar), Giraffa (Giraffe), Aquila (Eagle), Chiocchiola (Snail), Drago (Dragon), Leocorno (Unicorn), Valdimontone (Ram), Nicchio (Shell), Oca (Goose), Onda (Wave), Pantera (Pantheress), Selva (Forest), Tartuca (Turtle), Torre (Tower). Civetta (Owl).
Why are these Contrade important to know? Fun Idea: Siena in 1 Day!!
It’s really fun to look for the contrade squares, the flags, and sometimes you’re even lucky enough to be in Siena when one of the contrada practices their flag maneuvers, or their drum drills. If you have kids, let them see how many contrade they can find. It’s fun to purchase a contrada tea towel from a local vendor and then you will always have colorful pictures of all the mascots, for low cost.
The Palio: Siena private tour: discovering the legendary Palio spirit. Twice a year, the contrade compete in a bareback horserace around the main square, the Piazza del Campo, on July 2 and on August 16.
If you plan your trip to Siena in 1 Day around the Palio, you will experience The Piazza filled with dirt and the center of it is filled with people (It’s free if you are willing to stand hours in the sun), while the horses are prepared to run around the outside of the Piazza. Those who wish to pay for seats on the rim of the race will pay dearly for their positions.
The days prior to the race are filled with dinners, blessings, celebrations, and visitations to neighboring contrade. Horses and riders are tested and 10 are selected, parades are held, and a festive atmosphere is ever-present. Traveling to Siena near the time of the Palio has its own advantages, as you might witness some of the preparations.
Don’t miss the Duomo:
Though you could spend all day admiring the art scattered around the city, the one place you should not miss is the Duomo, Siena’s Cathedral. You can visit by yourself or take a Tour: Siena Walking Tour with Cathedral and Crypt & Museum Option
Why is Siena’s Cathedral (Duomo) Unique?
Siena’s Duomo is constructed of black and white marble, in a stripe pattern which makes it unique. These stripes are evident both in the interior and exterior, to match the Siena coat of arms.
Numerous artists of the time are represented within the Duomo’s walls on its cathedral floor, including Michelangelo (scuptures of Peter, Paul, St. Augustine and St. Pius), Bernini, and my favorite, a sculpture of John the Baptist by Donatello.
If you love art, you may want to spend several hours here at the Duomo Complex with its rooftops and museums, but if you only have one day in Siena, I suggest spending time admiring the exterior and the cathedral floor. The floor itself is comprised of many beautiful mosaics. Hint: Be looking for the contrade mascots here too!
Cost: 7 Euros for the Cathedral floor and the Piccolomini Library, more for the full complex and the rooftops. This includes an audioguide for your phone.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office outside the Duomo. The day we were there (in late May), there was no line. If you want to purchase ahead of time, schedule up to 6 months ahead of time:
The central gathering place of Siena, a massive shell-shaped square, renowned for its size and architecture all over Europe.
Enjoy this space during your 1 day in Siena!!! Tour guides will tell you to eat elsewhere, that the food here is too expensive. No!!
Treat yourself and enjoy the ambience, even if it is only a cold drink. We sat out in the rain under the umbrellas until the rain poured off of them and onto us, then sought shelter inside.
On another occasion, we were in the Campo when we heard drumbeats, and were witnesses to a full rehearsal of the Tartuca (Turtle) Contrada’s rehearsal of the their flag ceremony. What a thrill! Even young children were in on the practice and their formations filled the Piazza.
Visit the Tuscan Wine School.
Not far from the Duomo is the Tuscan Wine School. This school is where the proprietor’s take wine seriously. While sitting in their air conditioned shop, all the wines of the region are discussed, sampled, and paired with fresh cheeses, olive oils and breads.
Siena: Food and Wine Walking Tour
Then, the small group hits the streets to sample more local delicacies from street vendors and nearby shops and to witness Siena’s old town. A great mix of walking and sitting, education and deliciousness.
Try a Cooking Class.
Experiences are what you will remember when visiting a city, so why not try a cooking class? Make appetizers, pasta and sauce, and other delicious Italian treats and then savor it all during your lunch or dinner, with wine. Go home ready to share your new-found skills with your friends and family. Only choose one that comes highly recommended like this one: Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena.
Visit a Well-Reviewed Restaurant.
In every guidebook, online and in print, La Taverna di San Giuseppe rates highly. Why not make reservations so you are guaranteed a seat and enjoy the local cuisine at its finest in a Tuscan cellar, where the reviews echo the service and warm hospitality?
What to look for when shopping:
Pastries: The wonderful almond cookies Siena is famous for: Ricciarelli; Panaforte
Leather: Always be on the lookout for quality leather, made in Italy of course.
Ceramics depicting the Tuscan landscape with cypress trees and ancient farmhouses.
So, you’ve had 1 busy day in Siena, and you’ve done it all!! Wandering, Eating, Shopping, Appreciating Art, Exploring the Culture. Your one day in Siena will be one of your best during your Italian Adventures!
