Things to do near Country of Siena Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Chiusi - Museums

Museo diocesano della cattedrale

The Diocesan Museum of the Cathedral was established in 1932. Towards the end of 1986 it was expanded and renewed at the hands of Alberto Giglioli. In 1990, four new rooms were opened in the Palazzo Vecovile.

Murlo - Museums

Antiquarium di Poggio Civitate

The Antiquarium of Poggio Civitate was created in 1988 and contains a large number of archaeological finds. The most valuable is a princely home that testifies to the importance of the Etruscans in the Ombrone Valley. In the Museum there is also a workshop that deals with archaeological restorations.

Serre di Rapolano - Museums

Museo dell' Antica Grancia

The Ancient Grancia Museum provides an articulated route that offers the public the opportunity to learn about the processing of wine and oil in the ancient grain deposit called “grancia”. Particularly interesting is the space dedicated to olive growing and the preservation of oil, which took place in the appropriate ziri in the twentieth century.

Sarteano - Museums

Museo Civico Archeologico

Located in the sixteenth-century Palazzo Gabrielli, the Civic Archaeological Museum was founded in 1997 in Sarteano.

San Gimignano - Museums

Museo d'Arte Sacra

It contains the works of famous sculptors like Giuliano da Maiano, Benedetto da Maiano and Bartolommeo di Fredi

Pienza - Museums

Museo Diocesano

The headquarters of the Diocesan Museum of Pienza was inaugurated in 1998 inside the Bishop's Palace. The museum is divided into eleven rooms along which are exhibited ecclesiastical works coming from the Duomo and the surrounding territory. The most important work is located in the fourth room and depicts the “Stories of Our Lady”, of Saint Margaret of Antioch and Saint Catherine of Alexandria, donated to the Pope by Thomas Paleologist.

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Basilica di San Domenico

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi

The church is an authentic viewpoint on the medieval city. Built since the 13th century. The interior is very rich in works of art including the Madonna and Child called “Bordone” painted in 1261 by Coppo di Marcovaldo.

Siena - Streets and Squares

Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo, with its original shell shape, is the center of Siena. It is famous throughout the world because it is the location where twice a year the Palio di Siena is held.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Tufi

The Tufi Gate was built between 1325 and 1326, by the Sienese architect Agnolo di Ventura. The structure has brick bricks with a Guelph crenellated crowning and three round openings. It is part of the best preserved doors in Siena, since its composition of the structure has remained intact over time.

Siena - Parks and nature reserves

Orto Botanico

Formed by about two and a half hectares, it is located near Porta Tufi. It is part of the Museums of the Academy of Physiocritics. Inside it you can find tropical plants such as orchids, ferns and agaves.

Siena - Streets and Squares

Contrada della Chiocciola

The Contrada della Chiocciola is part of the seventeen historical subdivisions of Siena. During the victory of 1957, the Protectors were proposed to buy flags to represent the subdivision, and in fact, the design of Dino Rofi was chosen, which since 1954 represents the flag of the contrada. From the 18th century, other districts have also joined together, such as that of the Selva in 1790 and the Panther in 1813.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Marco

The Porta di San Marco di Siena is located between Via Diana and Via San Marco. Also known as Porta delle Maremme, it was half demolished at the beginning of the nineteenth century and then obtained the current Piazzale Biringucci.

Siena - Hermitages

Eremo di Lecceto

The Hermitage of Lecceto dates back to 1223, although over the centuries it has undergone many reconstructions, it has remained almost intact. It was known as early as the fifteenth century as a mystical center of the activity of Saint Catherine of Siena, later becoming the home of the English theologian William Flete. The interior was renovated and has Baroque tastes, still preserving the fourteenth-century frescoes. In 1502 Cardinal Egidio da Viterbo was fascinated by the history of the building so much as to compose a written work.

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Battistero San Giovanni Battista

It was built between 1317 and 1325 following the decision to extend the choir of the Cathedral of two spans. The Baptistery is in gothic-Sienese marble facade. The baptismal font is the fine artwork of, among others, Donatello.

Siena - Fountains

Fonte Branda

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta di Fontebranda

Porta di Fontebranda was built in the middle of the 13th century and is now located between the Via di Fontebranda and Via Estrena.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Laterina

The Laterina Gate was built in 1326, and is part of the last expansion of the Sienese walls. It was called “Porta Nuova di Stalloreggi” as it was part of the external extension of the Stalloreggi gate, which was older.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Pispini

It is one of the oldest gates of the city of Siena. Together with Porta Romana, the Porta dei Pìspini is part of the wall circle of Siena realized on a project attributed to Minuccio di Rinaldo.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Antiporto di Camollia

The Antiport of Camollia was built in 1270 with the aim of providing protection at the entrance towards the north of Siena. Inside it has traces of pictorial decoration of the Assumption of the Virgin by Alessandro Casolani, carried out in 1585. Near the structure a second outermost door was also built towards the beginning of the seventeenth century.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Camollia

Porta Camollia binds to the people of the leader “Camulio” who settled right where the door currently stands. The current door dates back to 1604, designed by Alessandro Casolari, and decorated by the sculptor Domenico Cafaggi.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Ovile

The Porta Ovile is part of the oldest and most characteristic buildings of the Sienese city walls. The construction dates back to 1230, and subsequently had several renovations. The door was built of bricks and also has a fresco on the left flank in which is depicted the Madonna and Child, among the SS. Ansano and Bernardino and the Angels. This painting by Sano di Pietro represents one of the oldest frescoes left on the walls of ancient Siena.

Siena - Fountains

Fonte Nuova

Siena - Streets and Squares

Piazza San Francesco

Piazza San Francesco is located between the bump of Castellaccia and the Borgo d'Ovile in Siena. It was initially located outside the urban walls, but after the Franciscans settled in the thirteenth century there was an expansion of the spaces. It was accessed through the Arch of San Francesco decorated with fourteenth-century statuettes. Currently in the square we also find other structures such as that of the oratory of San Bernardino and that of Saints Ludovico and Gherardo.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Tantucci

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Salimbeni

The Salimbeni Palace is located in the center of the square that bears the same name. The palace has medieval characteristics and was built on the foundations of a castle pre-existing in the 13th century. The style of the palace is typically Gothic Sienese. From the back of the building you can see two towers. The palace has undergone various renovations over the centuries.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Spannocchi

Siena - Streets and Squares

Piazza Salimbeni

Piazza Salimbeni is one of the most fascinating and well-known squares in the city of Siena. At the center of the square stands the statue of Sallustio Bandini, executed by Tito Sarrocchi, in 1882. Bandini was part of the advocates of economic freedom and in fact in this square are also located three other palaces, the fourteenth-century Palazzo Salimbeni where the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena is located, Palazzo Spannocchi and Palazzo Cantucci built in 1548.

Siena - Streets and Squares

Piazza di Provenzano

Piazza di Provenzano is part of the oldest squares in Siena and covers an important historical and also cultural value. It rises in what were the houses of the Ghibelline politician Provenzano Salvani, who in 1260 won the battle of Montaperti. In the square we also find the collegiate church of Santa Maria, which was dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Tolomei

Historical building in the city of Siena, Palazzo Tolomei is located in the homonymous square. He belonged to the “Ptolemei” family from which it takes its name, was also mentioned by Dante in the V Canto of Purgatory, in which he tells of his death by her husband.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Romana

It is one of the oldest gates of Siena, it is located on the path of the ancient Via Cassia. It was a door of defense, built between 1327 and 1328, it is equipped with battlements and a front wall. It was built by Agnolo di Ventura and Agostino di Giovanni.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Malavolti - Sozzini

Palazzo Malavolti - Sozzini dates back to the fifteenth century and is part of the historic buildings of the city of Siena. It was owned by the Sienese family of the Counts Sozzini and during the nineteenth century it also welcomed the plant of a garden inspired by the artistic laws of Neoclassicism. During the 19th century, it was enriched with frescoed ceilings, by Luigi Ademollo.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Mangia

The work of the “Campanile”, the other name by which the Torre del Mangia is known, began around 1325. The name of the construction is due to the nickname that the Sienese gave to Giovanni di Balduccio. It is among the tallest ancient towers in Italy and has an excellent state of preservation.

Siena - Monuments

Logge del Papa

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Sinagoga

The Synagogue of Siena was built in 1786, by the architect Giuseppe Del Rosso and represents one of the places of worship of the Sienese ghetto area. Its external façade is unadorned, a sign of the structures built before the Emancipation. Instead, the interior is widely decorated and objects of great value are kept including silverware, rare fabrics and a particular chair by Elijah donated to the community by Rabbi Bissi in 1860.

Siena - Historic Centres

Ghetto

The Sienese Ghetto was the seat of all Jews who moved to Siena after the second half of the sixteenth century, from Cosimo I. The Jews had been part of the Sienese city since the twelfth century and saw their habits change going to settle in the alley of the Ghetto. In addition, they were forced to wear a yellow sign to stand out from Christians, and they also paid a collective tax.

Siena - Fountains

Fonte Gaia il Campo

The Fonte Gaia is a monumental fountain of Siena, located in Piazza del Campo.

Siena - Museums

Museo ed Oratorio della Nobile Contrada dell'Oca

One of the districts of the Palio, with a crowned goose coat of arms, which bears a blue ribbon with the cross of Savoy and with colors green and white.

Siena - Museums

Museo di Storia Naturale e dell'Accademia dei Fisiocritici

The Museum of Natural History of the Academy of Sciences of Siena was created in 1691 with the foundation of the Academy. Since 1996 it has been part of the Sienese Museum System.

Siena - Museums

Pinacoteca Nazionale

Siena - Museums

Museo ''Bologna-Buonsignori''

The private collection Bologna-Buonsignori was donated to the City of Siena at the end of '800. It consists mainly of archaeological Etruscan, paintings and ceramics. A section is devoted to numismatics and jewelery.

Siena - Museums

Museo Anatomico

Inaugurated in Siena in 1862, the “Leonetto Comparini” Anatomical Museum has a predominantly educational purpose. The highlight of the museum is the collection of more than 1000 skulls and the many anatomical drawings.

Siena - Museums

Museo archeologico nazionale di Siena

The museum houses the artifacts (mainly of Etruscan origin) of the archaeological excavations in the province of Siena

Siena - Monuments

Loggia della Mercanzia

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo d'elci

The Palazzo d'Elci degli Alessi is located in the City Street, once called Via Galgaria. The Palace is flanked among the most aristocratic and monumental Sienese residences.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Chigi-Saracini

Located in Siena in “City Street”, Palazzo Chigi-Sacini is one of the most prestigious noble palaces in Siena. Currently, the Palace hosts a private collection of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo delle Papesse

Palazzo Papesse, located in Siena, houses a center of contemporary art. The Palace was built by the will of the sister of Pope Pius II Catherine. It was finished in about 1495.

Siena - Streets and Squares

Contrada dell'Aquila

The Contrada dell'Aquila is part of the seventeen historical subdivisions of Siena. The district bears the coat of arms of the noble family of the Marescotti. The Noble title is derived instead by concession of Charles V of Habsburg, who visited Siena in 1536. Chronologically it is one of the last to race the Palio of Siena, but still its conquests are numerous, such as the one with the Strega jockey on the horse Vegliantino.

Siena - Museums

Museo Civico

The Civic Museum is located in a building built between the end of the 13th century and the first half of the eleventh century. Inside it is possible to view many frescoes such as “The Majesty”.

Sovicille - Archaeological Sites

Area Archeologica Malignano

Montalcino - Museums

Museo Storico del Vetro e della Bottiglia "J. F. Mariani"

The Historical Museum of Glass and the Bottle “J. F. Mariani” is housed in the rooms of the Castle of Poggio alle Mura di Montalcino. It collects different collections of glass art from the Egyptians era up to the works of the Venetian masters. There are rare bottles dating back to the 18th century by English masters as well as a collection of bottles mounted on art Nouveau silver.

Montalcino - Museums

Museo Civico e Diocesano d'Arte Sacra

The Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art was inaugurated in 1958 at the headquarters of the former Convent of Sant'Agostino di Montalcino. It includes 12 rooms that extend over three floors and present materials and works of Medieval and Modern art from the Province of Siena and the surrounding area. The most significant work is that depicting the Madonna with the Child by Luke di Tommè.

Montalcino - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Michele

Located in the small town of Castiglione del Bosco in Montalcino, the Church of San Michele is a sacred building built before the 18th century. Behind the central nave you can see many frescoes by Pietro Lorenzetti.

Montalcino - Walls, towers and gates

Le mura e la Fortezza

The walls of Montalcino were built in the thirteenth century, while the fortress was built by Sienese architects in 1361 with pentagonal structure and slender corner towers and incorporating part of the walls.

Montalcino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

The Medici Fortress was built in 1381 by Mino Foresi and Domenico Feo. It is located in the historic center of Montalcino and is characterized by a pentagonal plan with high and irregular corner towers. The Medici coat of arms is placed on the external walls and the spur is also from the Medici era. The inner courtyard is currently used as a venue for shows and cultural initiatives.

Castiglione d'Orcia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Ripa

The Castle of Ripa, is an architectural complex located in Castiglione d'Orcia. It is also possible to visit its interior.

Castelnuovo Berardenga - Monuments

Piramide di Montaperti

The Pyramid of Montaperti is a very special monument, built in memory of the Battle of Montaperti. The Pyramid was built in romantic times and is currently owned by the Berardenghi family.

Asciano - Hermitages

Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

It is a monastic complex located in the municipality of Asciano. The Abbey was born on a hill inside the woods where you can find: pines, oaks and cypresses. It is considered one of the most important monuments in Tuscany.

San Gimignano - Museums

Palazzo Comunale - Pinacoteca - Torre Grossa

It was built in the 13th century and became the head office of the comune. It is believed to have been designed by sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio. Sala di Dante where the general council met is one of the famous rooms of Palazzo. It is well decorated with tournaments, allegorical figures and beautiful hunting scenes. Lippo Memmi produced great Virgin and child painting that has made Palazzo del Podesta famous. Sala delle Adunanze Segrete is where the citizen government met. It is from this room that the fascinating climb to Torre Grossa begins.

Bagno Vignoni - Streets and Squares

Piazza delle Sorgenti

The Piazza delle Sorgenti is located in the center of the locality Bagno Vignoni and is formed by a rectangular bathtub from which for more than a thousand years a thermal water rich in beneficial properties flows.

Sarteano - Archaeological Sites

La tomba della quadriga infernale

The tomb of the "quadriga infernale" lies in Sarteano in the necropolis of the Pianacce and is one of the most significant testimonies of the Etruscan painting of the 4th century BC.

Chianciano Terme - Museums

Museo Etrusco delle Acque

With Chiusi Chianciano Terme as well as UNESCO heritage sites, Terme, medieval center boasts the most important center of ETRUSCAN civilization, world headquarters of the Etruscan Museum of Water

Montepulciano - Natural Areas

Oasi Riserva Lago di Montepulciano

Free exhibitions, guided tours of the Forest and the Watching Tower. Tour of the Lake with the Ecological Boat with solar panels. Refreshment point on the Path of Reclamation or on the Cycle-pedestrian path that travels around Lake Montepulciano

Gaiole in Chianti - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Meleto

The Castello di Meleto stands majestically in the enchanting Chianti landscape at the end of a pleasant avenue flanked by cypresses and junipers. The property is located in the middle of the fields and vineyards kissed by the sun, 1 km from Gaiole in Chianti...

San Quirico d'Orcia - Parks and nature reserves

Horti Leonini

The Horti Leonini is an Italian garden located in the ancient bulwarks of San Quirico d'Orcia (Siena). Built around 1581, the Horti have maintained the original structure until today.

San Quirico d'Orcia - Natural Areas

Bosco di cipressi

This cypress forest is located in the municipality of San Quirico d'Orcia. Some time ago, the area was full of these thickets called tomboli and were used by hunters to recall the birds and then kill them.

San Quirico d'Orcia - Churches and places of worship

Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta

The collegiate church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta is a sacred building of medieval origin located in San Quirico d'Orcia.

Castelnuovo Berardenga - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Bianchi Bandinelli o Villa di Geggiano

The Villa, declared a National Monument for the perfect preservation of the eighteenth-century decorations and furnishings that are located inside it, has a beautiful Italian garden with views of Siena and an important Teatro di Verzura.

Siena - Theaters

Teatro dei Rinnovati

The most important theater of Siena is located within the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall of Siena. It 'a theater with 88 stages across four rows and separated by a large stage. It's one of the most important theaters of Tuscany that offers an intense season of theatrical performances.

San Quirico d'Orcia - UNESCO sites

Parco Artistico Naturale e Culturale della Val D'Orcia

Born to ensure the conservation of the artistic and natural heritage of the Val d'Orcia, since 1996 he deals with the realization of projects that see man and the territory protagonists.

Sovicille - Museums

Museo del Bosco

Pienza - Museums

Museo di Palazzo "Piccolomini"

The Museum of Palazzo “Piccolomini” is located on the first floor of the eponymous Palace built in the fifteenth century as the residence of Pope Pius II. The museum area exhibits works that portray Enea Silvio Piccolomini and houses living materials, such as the bedroom of the well-known Pope. The adjoining library contains books, bubbles and writings from the period of Pope Pius II and Pope Pius III.

Siena - Museums

Museo Aurelio Castelli

The museum is named after Father Aurelio Castelli who collected the artworks that had been lost with the suppression of the monasteries in Siena's area. Preserves and exhibits works of painting, sculpture, prints and seals of the Basilica.

Casole d'Elsa - Museums

Museo Archeologico e della Collegiata

The collection exposes to the public both objects of the artistic heritage and the archaeological finds. The exhibition ends with a visit to the Collegiate Church, where they are kept: the masterpiece of the sculptor Marco Romano, the funeral monument to Bishop Tommaso Andrei of Gano di Fazio, the three paintings by Rutilio Manetti and the Majesty. The Archaeological Museum was founded in 1996, and is set up in three rooms, in which the history of the territory in the Etruscan age is represented.

Chianciano Terme - Museums

Museo della Collegiata

The Collegiate Church Museum is located inside the eighteenth-century Arcipretal Palace of Chianciano Terme. Among the most important works is a Polyptych by the Master of Chianciano, in which a splendid Madonna and Child is depicted. Also interesting is the table that represents Giovanni Battista while supporting the ancient Chianciano.

Chianciano Terme - Museums

Museo Civico Archeologico delle Acque

The Archaeological Museum of Water is located near the historic center of the city. The exhibition is dedicated to issues concerning the history of the territory of Chianciano. Great interest are the ancient tombs dating back to the last years of the 7th century BC, the necropolis of Morelli as well as a princely tomb reported to life size.

Abbadia San Salvatore - Museums

Parco Museo Minerario

The Mining Museum of Abbadia San Salvatore consists of five rooms of which: Room 1 composed of Geology, Room 2 with Amiata and Mercury, Room 3 with the history of the Abbadia S.Salvatore mine, the Room 4 with drawings, objects and more, and to finish room 5 with other activities.

Asciano - Museums

Museo 'A. Cassioli'

Built in 1991, the Cassioli museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 14.30 to 17.00. All the works present inside were granted by the Art Institute “Duccio di Buonisegna” in Siena.

Asciano - Museums

Museo Archeologico e d'Arte Sacra

The Museum of Sacred and Archaeological Art contains one of the most important collections of the Musei Senesi foundation, the network created to unite the 25 museums of the Province of Siena. The museum of sacred art displays tables, wooden sculptures, canvases and sacred furnishings coming from the religious buildings of Asciano and its territory with some fundamental works for the history of medieval Sienese art, like the Nativity of the Virgin of the Master of Observance and the St. Michael the Archangel by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

Buonconvento - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bibbiano

The Castle of Bibbiano is an imposing medieval castle surrounded by a moat with drawbridge to increase defenses. Inside the Castle we find the Annunciation, the latest work by Pietro Lorenzetti, and the Madonna in the Chapel of the Castle, by Baldassarre Peruzzi.

Monteriggioni - Castles, palaces and mansions

Borgo Castello di Monteriggioni

Just 10 minutes away by freeway from Siena, the Edge of Monteriggioni remains one of the most famous Italian villages, still intact, it is possible to visit it with tourist guides. With walls dotted with 14 towers, it is also remembered in the Divine Comedy.

Murlo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Castello di Crevole

The Tower of the Castle of Crevole, in medieval times, was one of the most important centers in the area. During the Siena War, the Castle was destroyed by the imperial troops who spared only the Tower. Today, only the ruins that are part of a farm remain.

Murlo - Walls, towers and gates

Porta e Borgo Fortificato

The small medieval village is located on a hill surrounded by a city wall built during the twelfth century in the province of Siena. The structure was the capital of the area that was owned by the Bishops of Siena. The village, still today, preserves its original medieval structure in good condition.

Pienza - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca di Monticchiello

The Rocca di Monticchiello dates back to the 13th century and is located on the walled village of the homonymous municipality. Only the Sienese formwork remains of the construction, consisting of walls and stone beccatelli. The walls were equipped with a walkway, and were interspersed with various towers of varying sizes.

Pienza - Monumental Trees

Roverella delle checche

It has a diameter of 19 meters with a height of 22 meters. It is estimated to be about 360 years old.

Pienza - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castelluccio

Also called Castelluccio dei Bifolchi, it was fortified in the fourteenth century with two corner towers still intact. In 1787 it was transformed into a 'fortified farm'. Since then, it has gone through various owners.

Poggibonsi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Cassero

The Cassero, with a pentagonal plan, is a renovated building to date overlooking the surrounding hills. Surrounded by an impressive crown wall. It is possible to visit it from 10 am to 7 pm during weekdays and holidays.

San Gimignano - Churches and places of worship

Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole

The Parish Church already existed in 949. It was rebuilt twice over the years, first in the twelfth and then in the thirteenth century. As a glove it concerns consecration, this occurred in 1238. The building is characterized by a romantic style, and this is also noticeable from the facade. It is currently managed by the Diocese of Volterra.

San Gimignano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Grossa

It is the tallest tower in San Gimignano, located in Piazza del Duomo near the Palazzo del Podestà. On the top floor you can enjoy a wonderful view of the town of San Gimignano.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Agostini Bindi Sergardi

Until 500 it belonged to the Venturi family, until 1554 when it was purchased by Marcello Agostini. Many renovations were made by his son “Hippolytus”.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Marsili

The original Palace collapsed in 1444 and was rebuilt in 1459 by Luca di Bartolo Luponi in Gothic style.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Venturi-Gallerani

Palazzo Venturi — Gallerani was built in the 17th century and is part of the historic buildings of the city of Siena. In fact, it is located in the historic center of the city just a few moments from the National Art Gallery. Used as a noble palace in the previous era it currently houses private homes and can be visited only from the outside.

Siena - Theaters

Teatro dei Rozzi

The theatre's one of the most prestigious cultural institutions of Siena. It offers a rich theatrical season of concerts and dance performances.

Montalcino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Altesi

Located on a hill, Castello Altesi is located on the border between the municipalities of Montalcino and Buonconvento. It was built in the 15th century, to host the troops of Don Alvaro di Sande during the Republic of Siena in Montalcino.

Montalcino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Poggio alle Mura

The Poggio alle Mura Castle was built in 1438 on a hill located between the river Orcia and Ombrone. Its ideal location has placed the fortress at the center of disputes between the Republic of Siena, the Aldobrandeschi and Florence. The ownership of the Castle has passed into management to several families including that of the Ptolemies and the Placid. The structure of the building has a square plan consisting of several buildings closed by a curtain wall. The property is currently owned by Banfi Spa, which has brought changes by adapting the fortress to a wine tourism center.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Patrizi

Founded in 1525, Palazzo Patrizi is a historic building in Siena. It is currently home to the Accademia degli Intronati. Inside the Palace there is a room intended for conferences owned by the Municipality.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pannocchieschi d'Elci

Palazzo Pannocchieschi d'Elci was built around the 16th century by the noble family of the Alessi as their residence in Siena. Later, the house passed to the Counts Pannocchieschi d'Elci, and by the end of the 17th century it was renovated. The exterior of the building has a crowning with battlements while inside there is a large nineteenth-century hall and some works created by Daniele Ricciarelli such as “the Prophet Elijah”.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Monaldi

It takes its name from the family that built it, the “Monalds”. The building is located in front of the Tower of Roccabruna. In addition to the Tower of Roccabruna, Palazzo Monaldi is located near another tower also built by the Monaldi and subsequently sold to the Saracins.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pannilini Zuccantini

Historical building located in via Casato di Sopra, near Piazza del Campo. Palazzo Pannilini ZucCantini was built in 1550 on a design by Bartolomeo Neroni.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Sansedoni il Campo

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa Natale di Giovanni Duprè

The Birthplace of Giovanni Duprè is the residence of the well-known sculptor where he stayed for a long time. It is located in the street dedicated to him and is part of the 18th century buildings currently used as private homes. Above the main entrance is engraved “This humble house where Giovanni Dupré was born honor of art and of Italy remind the children of the people who succeed the power of genius and will”.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Chigi Zondadari il Campo

Palazzo Chigi-Zondadari is located in Piazza del Campo in Siena. This is one of the largest palaces in the city. The building was built for the Chigi family in 1724 by Antonio Valeri. It was built according to the Roman models of the eighteenth century. Inside the building there are works by the great artists.

Siena - Streets and Squares

Contrada Priora della Civetta

The Contrada Priora della Civetta is located in the historic center of the city of Siena and takes the title of “Priora” as it hosted the first meeting of the Priors of the Seventeen Contrade. Its current headquarters is close to the Castellare degli Ugurgieri dating back to the 13th century. The venue is decorated with colored marbles and frescoes, by Fiorenzo Joni and Bruno Marzi.

Chianciano Terme - Churches and places of worship

Tempio della Madonna della Rosa

The most beautiful church in Chianciano, designed by Baldassarre Lanci, in 1569, architect of the Duke of Urbino. Inside, the image of Our Lady of the Rose is painted on a wall.

Chianciano Terme - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dell’Orologio

An imposing medieval tower on which is represented the coat of arms of the Medici family, added when the Signoria of Florence had the ultimate control of the town.

Chianciano Terme - Museums

Museo Archeologico delle Acque

Opened in 1997, it collects archaeological material discovered in the municipal area as a result of capillary research; it exhibits numerous Etruscan findings.

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the cathedral of Siena. It is one of the most significant examples of Romanesque-Gothic style in Italy. There are important and beautiful mosaics on the floor, uncovered only once a year in the fall.

Siena - Cemeteries

Cimitero della Misericordia

The Cemetery also known as Camposanto della Misericordia di Siena is one of the largest in the city. It was designed by Alessandro Doveri in 1843 and finished in 1866 by Giuseppe Partini following the death of Doveri. He took care of the enlargement of the Camposanto and completed many other works.

Sovicille - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo al Piano

Owned by the Province of Siena, the Palazzo al Piano extends for a total of almost 3000 square meters of surface area. The Province of Siena is intended to develop a hotel consisting of 28 rooms.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Arcivescovile

Located in Piazza del Duomo, the Archbishop's Palace of Siena is an eighteenth-century building in Gothic style. In 2003, with renovations, the main facades of the Palace were redone.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Governo

It is one of the largest palaces in Siena, its history began in the last years of the fifteenth century with Jacopo Petrucci who bought the palace and then make it his home. Currently, the Palace is home to various offices.

Siena - Streets and Squares

Piazza Jacopo della Quercia

Piazza Jacopo della Quercia owes its name to the homonymous Italian sculptor. The square reflects the Gothic Sienese style rich in originality from manly and concrete works. The square breaks the traditional landscape and invites the public to move around to discover the multiple works.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Chigi Piccolomini

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Incontri

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Niccolò al Carmine

The church of St. Nicholas, with an adjoining Carmelite convent, was built in the first half of the fifteenth century, but has undergone heavy restoration in the twentieth century that have changed its appearance.

Gaiole in Chianti - Churches and places of worship

Pieve di San Vincenti

Radda in Chianti - Walls, towers and gates

Le Mura

Radda in Chianti - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Podestà

Castellina in Chianti - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Salvatore

Castellina in Chianti - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Martino a Cispiano

Castellina in Chianti - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Giorgio alla piazza

Consecrated in 1084, the Church of San Giorgio is located in Piazza nel Comune di Castellina in Chianti.

Castellina in Chianti - Churches and places of worship

Pieve di Sant'Agnese in Chianti

Since 1046, the parish church of Sant'Agnese is located inside a fortified complex, which includes the chapel of the company, the bell tower, the rectory and the cloister. The façade was rebuilt respecting the original profile, while the interior is presented in the form conferred after the last war and consists of three naves divided by five arches resting on pillars. South of the cloister there is a bell tower that in the past was a tower of defense.

Castellina in Chianti - Museums

Museo Archeologico del Chianti Senese

The museum is located in Castellina in Chianti. Inside it is possible to see many archaeological and historical finds coming from the Chianti area. The museum is also part of the Musei Senesi Foundation.

Castellina in Chianti - Historic Centres

Necropoli del Poggino

Castellina in Chianti - Historic Centres

Tumulo di Montecalvario

San Gimignano - Streets and Squares

Piazza della Cisterna

It is regarded as the most famous and beautiful piazza in San Gimignano. Medieval towers and a wall of nobility houses surround it. Bounded by Palazzo dei Cortesi and Torre del Diavolo to the north. It was named after a water cistern located at its Centre. Offers a good view out past the Arco dei Becci passageway. Has a unique layout made in 13th Century.

San Gimignano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Diavolo

The unsettling and mysterious name has legend meanings. The owner of the tower discovered it was taller than it was on a return trip. He attributed the magic to the devil thus deriving the name, "Tower of the Devil". The upper floor of the tower has a number of holes visible from the walls.

San Gimignano - Museums

San Gimignano 1300

It is a privately owned museum. It provides an artistic impression of how San Gimignano would have looked back in 1300.It shows how a traveller would have seen it from a hilltop. The reproduction is made purely from clay, baked and painted with natural pigments.

San Gimignano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Loggia del Giudice

It is the entrance to Palazzo del Comune. It is well decorated with coat of arms representing the number of podesta that assumed leadership positions over the years. Justice was administered in the Loggia del Giudice (Loggia of the Judges).This Loggia has frescoes showing Saint Ivone ,the Lawyers patron overseeing justice to the poor while the rich standing at the door with gifts.

San Gimignano - Museums

Museo Civico

The Museo Civico is a home of prestigious artworks from Siena and Florence. Most of the work is donated from the religious buildings around the city and from the entire public. It has various crucifixes and biblical scenes. Impressive panel painting done by Taddeo di Bartolo portraying San Gimignano can be found here. The surrounding walls give some brief description of him and how he was like in 1400.

San Gimignano - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale Collegiata

It is among the leading landmarks in San Gimignano. It is referred as Collegiata. It is the town’s main church .Has got numerous high quality 14th century paintings. Visitors are required to pay some charges for accessing it although discounts are offered to children.

San Gimignano - Archaeological Sites

Rovine di Castelvecchio

The ruins can be seen from the south limit of San Gimignano municipal area. It was a very crucial civilian and military settlement in the past. It was formerly known as Castrum Vetus. In 1995, Castlelvecchio was officially recognized as a cultural heritage. Foreign visitors need to tour this place and appreciate how San Gimingnano and Italy at large was operating before modernization.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Piccolomini-Clementini

The Piccolomini-Clementini Palace was built in the fourteenth century. In addition to the Gothic style in the structure we can also find works with Renaissance characteristics. In the early 19th century, the structure was renovated in neoclassical style by the architect Agostino Fantastici. Inside it is possible to admire the works of the painter Giovan Battista of Jacomo del Capanna, works by Cesare Maffei and numerous works of art made for the Piccolomini-Clementini family.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Vestri

The eighteenth-century building of Palazzo Vestri was created by the Prato architect Giuseppe Valentini. The palace was built in neoclassical style. It was for a period of time the headquarters of the Hotel Stella d`Italia and is currently the headquarters of the Tourism Promotion Company in Prato.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Bianchi-Bandinelli

The Palazzo Bianchi Bandinelli was built in the 18th century. In the past, the palace was owned by the family of the Governor of Siena, Giulio Bianchi Bandinelli. At that time, the building was renovated according to the Empire style. Even today there are mythological paintings in neoclassical style and works by the painter Luigi Ademollo. Today the building houses private homes and you can visit it only from the outside.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo di San Galgano

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Bandini Piccolomini

This building is one of the most interesting examples of Sienese architecture. It is structured by two facades. Inside, however, there is still the small well in circular shape.

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Santuario di Santa Caterina

An ancient home of the “Benincasa”, the sanctuary of Saint Catherine is located in Siena and is composed of various churches and orators. In 1464 they started many transformations to the structure, to build the sanctuary immediately after the canonization of Catherine.

Siena - Hermitages

Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago

The Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago has an ancient history and is linked to the presence of a hermit community that settled on the slopes of the hill, not very far from Siena, in 1112. The Romanesque church dates back to 1239 and was erected above the pre-existing oratory. In 1250 the convent was joined to the nearest one of San Salvatore di Lecceto, thus constituting the Leccetan congregation of the Hermits. Towards the 17th century, the church renewed the interior with Baroque altars and pictorial furnishings, while still preserving the frescoes of great cultural and spiritual value.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Bichi-Ruspoli Banchi di Sopra 56

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Gori Pannilini

Palazzo Gori Pannilini was built around 1501, it originally belonged to the Montanini and later to the Aringhieri. During 1522 it was greatly expanded by Paolo Salvetti. In 1677, it was renewed at the behest of Pope Alexander VII Chigi, who wanted to give it to his granddaughter Olimpia pro cinta to marry Giulio de' Gori. Towards the beginning of the twentieth century, the palace lost its value as a noble residence and became the seat of the Hotel Continental, still preserving numerous picturesque decorations, including those of Giovanni. Battista Marchetti.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Fortezza Medicea

The Medici Fortress was built between 1561 and 1563, at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici on the ground where the Spanish citadel previously stood. The architect Baldassarre Lanci originally gave it an 'L' shape and later turned it into a quadrilateral structure. The brick fort is composed in the corners of cuneiform ramparts on which the Medici travertine coat of arms is affixed. Since 1937 the structure has been transformed into a public garden and today it also hosts several cultural events.

Siena - Cultural centers

Nobil Contrada del Bruco

The Nobil Contrada del Bruco is one of the seventeen historical subdivisions of the Sienese city. She was titled Nobile for the value of her military company against Charles IV of Bohemia in the 14th century. In 1542 the district had created its own statute regulating its activities and in 1804 during the procession that was to honor Queen of Etruria Maria Luisa paraded with a group representing Agriculture, followed by shepherds.

Siena - Fountains

Fonte di Pescaia

Siena - Churches and places of worship

Ex Monastero di S.Girolamo in Campansi

The Former Monastery of S. Girolamo in Campansi founded its origins in the homonymous convent that was built in 1430, on the houses that were located in Via Campansi in Siena. Sixty-seven Franciscan religious settled in the convent and in 1683 the church was built that always takes the name of Saint Jerome. In the following years, the nuns shared the rooms with the Shelter of Mendicity and in the last period of the nineteenth century two new plans used for the men section were built. It is worth noting inside several frescoes attributed to Sano di Pietro and Girolamo di Benvenuto.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dei Diavoli

An ancient stone house located in Siena. The name “Palazzo dei Diavoli comes from legends and superstitions of the peasants of that time.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Belcaro

Imposing construction fortified by a city wall, inside it is composed of various buildings and open spaces with gardens and courtyards. The largest building is the main building that is spread over three floors. It was founded in 1190.

Siena - Walls, towers and gates

Fortino di Porta Pispini

The Fortino di Porta Pispini is located on the left side of the homonymous door, built in 1326 by Minuccio di Rinaldo. Incorporated by the last Sienese wall circle, the fort is the testimony of the strengthening of the defenses, by the architect Baldassare Peruzzi. It was built between 1527 and 1532, taking up the fifteenth-century bulwarks designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini for the defense of Urbino.