The Duomo di Siena is one of the most visually appealing cathedrals in Italy...a place where art…read moreand devotion converge in extraordinary harmony. Towering over Piazza del Duomo in Siena's historic center, the cathedral immediately commands attention with its distinctive dramatic blackandwhite striped marble façade, a color scheme that reflects the ancient symbols of the city itself. While we have seen many beautiful Italian cathedrals, this one is one of the most unique ones. Stepping inside the cathedral is awe-inspiring and completely breathtaking. Unlike many cathedrals whose beauty lies primarily on the exterior, Siena's Duomo interior is splendid and grand. The interior is lavishly decorated with striped marble columns, gilded details, sculptures, and frescoes that make the space feel more like a grand art gallery than a traditional church. While indelible photographs are forever etched in our minds, our tour guide discouraged us from taking photos inside the cathedral. One of the cathedral's greatest highlights is its marble inlaid floor, created over several centuries by dozens of artists. Often described as one of the most beautiful cathedral floors in the world, it features intricate biblical scenes and moral lessons created in marble mosaic. When you view such beauty, it feels bigger than yourself. Majestic!

We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.

I have been to Siena twice. On my second trip, I visited for Palio. The day of the festivities, I…read moremade my way to Torre del Mangia to do some sightseeing. Located in Piazza del Campo, the center and heart of Siena, Torre del Mangia is one of the most prominent symbols of Siena. It's one of TripAdvisor's most popular attractions in Siena and for good reason. Snap a few pictures of the tower from the outside and then walk inside. It's free to check out the courtyard area where you'll be able to take a really cool photo of the tower from the interior. You'll know what I mean when you're there. After you're done checking out the courtyard, for a fee, you can buy a ticket to go up the tower and get some panoramic views of the city. If they happen to be sold out, you can also get some scenic views by checking out the Duomo. Torre del Mangia is a must visit while in Siena!

10/28/2013 My…read morehusband and I woke up early and went to the City Wall Tower as our first stop of the day. Good thing we went early in the morning, as we were able to get some sparkling nice views from the top. Once you climb the 330 steps to the top (the staircase is rather narrow in some areas, so they will ask you to check in your bags about 1-2 flights up). This is definitely one of the best views of Siena and Tuscany. Well worth the 8€ per person. We were able to stay at the top for a good 20-30 minutes to take some photos of the beautiful Siena landscape + look out into the hills of Tuscany. GORGEOUS!! We think the best time to go is in the morning when the sun is not out in full force, and the fog is leaving the hills...so you can get some clear photos. :) We loved our experience and definitely recommend it. We know of others who went to the top of the Duomo, so that's another option as well; but we didn't do that one since we already went to the top of the City Tower. Either way, I'm sure the views are great. :)

Since we were in the area, we made a quick stop to see the San Domenico Basilica. High on a hill,…read moreviews of Siena make for some nice pics. It was getting late in the afternoon by the time we reached it, as the sun hid behind the massive brick exterior and created refreshing, cool shadows. The exterior is somewhat plain, but makes up in size what it lacks in ornamentation. More of the same inside (the Dominicans aren't known for a love of bling), but pilgrims might appreciate the relics of St. Catherine. I'm not really into spare body parts, but others can find Catherine's thumb and - behind secure bars - her head! (Eew) The church has a no photos/videos policy, so no photographic memories of the interior.

my #1 favorite spot in siena for basilica-loitering. monumental & blessedly quiet compared to the…read moremadhouse that is il duomo in the center of town. un'opportunita' per tranquillita' da non perdere! dedicated to the patron saint of siena, santa caterina, the structure of the basilica is simple, with gothic windows & a bell tower that actually still tolls. it houses some amazing art along with relics of the saint, including her dried up finger (blech!), personal self-flagellation paraphernalia (cool!) & her head, mounted & displayed in a cappella (creepy!). once you've finished your divine encounter inside, seat yourself on the steps outside & escape the crazy tuscan heat in the shadow of the basilica. the crypt opens for sunday mass. bring the whole family! & for caterina's sake, please, cover them shoulders!

Absolutely worth the short walk down to this fountain! Amazing views of Siena and the churches…read morealong the stairs. The fountain is the oldest and most enduring waterworks of Siena. Located below the Cathedral you will enjoy the quiet and sound of the running water. An absolute must see to feel the city.

Supposedly in existence since the late 1000s, the Fontebranda was at once one of Siena's lifelines,…read moreproviding usable water and a place for those to congregate and gossip at. In that sense, the Fontebranda is more of a giant outdoor tank than a "fountain", but still an impressive one if you consider how well it's lasted through the ages, its water still brimming with a lifegiving turquoise color. It's also worth noting that this particular attraction is a bit of a hidden gem and at the bottom of Siena's hillside, away from all the major tourist attractions and Siena's center. Still, it's fairly accessible from the city center by a series of escalators that keep going down and down until you hit the bottom. Although there wasn't much to do around here other than look at the "fountain", I appreciated the solitude and respite and history the area provided from Siena's more well known and more festive areas.

If you're fortunate enough to have your travels take you through idyllic Tuscany, then add the…read moremedieval town of Siena to your places to visit. It's one of the most visited, if not the most visited cities in Tuscany, and for good reason. It's also a UNESCO world heritage site. Inside the medieval city, you'll see the beautiful Duomo di Siena (admission charge for a visit inside), plentiful nice shopping and good places for food. Most importantly​, don't leave without visiting the Piazza del Campo. This is THE landmark site! It's a huge circular piazza where Il Palio, the famous horserace, takes place twice a year. It's also the main reason why Hubby, who loves horseracing, wanted to come see Siena. The riders all ride saddle-less in this four-day​ long race. It was also a part in a scene from James Bond's movie, "Quantam Solace". If you too are into horseracing, there's a fabulous little store, Luciano Valentini, that sells amazing prints of photos taken during Il Palio. They can ship their beautiful prints, or you can take them with you, as they will pristinely​ pack them. For Foodies and dessert aficionados​, you must try the ricciarelli cookies, which originated in Siena! Since my first visit to Italy after right college, these have been my favorite of all Italian cookies (and there are so so many different kinds!!!). And actually my favorite of all cookies! Yes, I like them better than even chocolate chip cookies. Sadly, the versions in the U.S. pale sadly in comparison, and I've tried them everywhere I see them. (Review forthcoming for A. Nannini, where I purchased great ones). Siena gets extremely touristy! We're here in later September, and there are still a good amount of tourists from all over the world. I've been here on previous visits during the peak of summer and it's almost unbearable. One of the best times to get a real sense of Siena is to see it late at night, about 11 pm and on when the hoards of tourists visiting for the day have all gone. Although the shops will be closed, it's very quiet, and walking through the streets in this medieval city will feel like you've gone back in medieval times. I did it once during my previous visits, and it was my most favorite and memorable moments in Siena.