Siena needs no introduction. This city is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world. Hidden in the hilly area between the Elsa, Arbia and Merse river, Siena is, unbeknown to most, shadowed by the Chianti hills, famous for producing excellent wines.

The city itself was built by Roman hands and was a colony under the rule of Emperor Augustus. During the Middle Ages, Siena experienced a period of intense development, became the diocese, and continued to grow until the mid-14th century, when it experienced the same slow decline the entire territory experienced and became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

HOW TO GET TO SIENA BY CAR:

From Bucine along the 540 Highway. Direction Amber-Siena for 20.7 km to the intersection “Colonna del Grillo”. Then take the 326 in the direction of Siena for 20.5 km, taking in the
beautiful landscape of the Senese countryside. Exit at “Siena Ovest” and head for “San Marco”. Best Parking: Parking Il Campo, Porta Tufi, close to Piazza del Campo, free on holidays. (From Bucine tot. 42 km)

HOW TO GET TO SIENA BY BUS:
TO:

Pogi Bucine 7:25 am-7:30 am ——- arrives in Siena Piazzale Rosselli FF.SS at 8.22

RETURN:
Siena Piazzale Rosselli FF.SS at 13:49 and 14:35 —— arrives in Pogi Bucine at 14:38
Siena Piazzale Rosselli FF.SS at 18:29 —— arrives in Pogi Bucine at 19:20

TO SEE: Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Siena continues to endear herself to enchanted visitors century after century. These are just some of her beautiful monuments and buildings:

-The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Nevi: Built on the ruins of a pre-existing church dedicated to San Clemente in 2134.

-The Basilica of the Observance: A religious building dating back to 1490.

-The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: Siena’s most beloved church, known centuries ago as the “Piano Sancte Mariae”.

- The Palazzo Comunale, The red rooftop building that has come to define Siena, built in the first half of 14th century for the Government of the Nine.

-The Torre del Mangia: The bell tower that sits in the Piazza del Campo, and owes its name to its guardian, known as “Mangiaguadagni”.

RESTAURANTS RECOMMENDED BY ITALIAN DINING OUT GUIDE “Gambero Rosso”:

• Da Enzo Restaurant: Via Camollia 49, tel: 0577/281277, closed Sundays
• Osteria Doccino Trattoria: Via Doccia 10, tel: 0577/40039, closed Sundays
• Osteria La Chat Trattoria: Costa di Sant’Antonio 4, tel: 0577/280631, always open

WEEKLY MARKET: Sunday morning

INFORMATION
Tourist office: Piazza del Campo 56, tel: 0577/280551

EVENTS IN SIENA:
Palio Contrade test runs: 29/06 and 30/06

Night before the Palio blessings and rituals: 01/07 and 15/08
PALIO: 02/07

Procession of the district winner: 03/07
Second PALIO of the year: 16/08
Procession of the district winner: 17/08

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF SIENA:
In ASCII: Market of Crete- old town centre, every second Sunday of the month.
In MONTICCHIELLO: Teatro Povero, from July to August at night.
In MONTERIGGIONI: The Living History and Medieval Festival, July.

In CONVIVIO: A food festival and medieval theatre, September.
In SAN GIMIGNANO: “The days of the Messiah” – a medieval festival with performances, storytellers and parades, 14/06 and 15/06.
In GAIOLE: Wine festival and Torneo dei Rioni, 14/09.