A world of possibilities for your holiday excursions

Siena, whose historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, is a magical city, famous throughout the world.

Distance: 90 km from the campsite

It could not be otherwise, given its beauty and particularity.

First of all, Piazza del Campo, considered one of the most beautiful squares ever. It is the centre of Siena, a jewel that must be seen. It has a peculiar nine-segment shell shape, which, to be appreciated, must be admired from above, climbing the impressive Torre del Mangia of the Palazzo Pubblico, one of the tallest and oldest towers in Italy, perfectly preserved. The tower takes its name from the first custodian who, according to tradition, spent all his savings eating in the taverns of Siena.

A magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from the Torre del mangia.

At the other end of the square is the monumental Fonte Gaia, an important water fountain that is a copy of the one Jacopo della Quercia sculpted in the early 1400s.

A tourist ritual is to sit or lie on the ground and admire the piece of sky above the square.

Many other important architectures line the square, including the Palazzo Comunale, made of red brick and white marble, inside which is the Museo Civico, which protects many masterpieces by Sienese artists, including Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

The Duomo di Siena is a must-see. One usually arrives there after having visited Piazza del Campo and, still having its splendour in one's eyes, one does not expect to be amazed again. But you are wrong. Not to be missed are the façade with its characteristic black and white stripes; the marble floor, full of esoteric and religious symbols; the Piccolomini Library, frescoed by Pinturicchio; the Piccolomini Chapel, on which Michelangelo worked for three years; the octagonal Pulpit by Nicola Pisano.

Next to the cathedral is the Baptistery with its hexagonal baptismal font, on which Donatello also worked.

Another stop not to be missed is the Museo Civico, which contains many important works, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti's famous Allegoria del Buono e del Cattivo Governo (Allegory of Good and Bad Government), the first pictorial cycle with a predominantly civil rather than religious theme. Another great protagonist is La Maestà, which the Government of the Nine entrusted to Simone Martini as a sign of devotion to the Virgin.

Siena also offers many typical restaurants where you can enjoy the tasty Sienese cuisine. In small restaurants and osterias, you can order wild boar (the famous Cinta Senese), pappardelle with hare, crostini with liver, tasty soups such as La Ribollita, and sweets such as cantucci and ricciarelli. All strictly accompanied by a good glass of wine.

One cannot talk about Siena without mentioning the famous Palio, which takes place every year on two dates, 2 July and 16 August, and in which the seventeen Sienese contrade compete in a passionate horse race in the Piazza del Campo. The Palio is certainly much more than a simple event for the Sienese, who experience it all year round with great enthusiasm.