Hector first became aware of Siena in the 1970s when books were read by the inch. Herman Wouk’s – The Winds of War – then – War and Remembrance – had a principal character hold up here before finding herself interned in Terezin outside Praha (Czechia).
Despite the novel having no illustrations, Siena stuck in the mid and has therefore been on the bucket list since such a term evolved. The autumn of 2023 saw Hector and Marg tour this part of Tuscany.
If one arrives by coach, then one will hopefully find oneself dropped in the new part of Siena without the city walls. Arriving by train is a different experience. If one’s accomodation isn’t nearby, take a taxi, else cross the street and enter the shopping centre. From here a series of escalators takes up one to the level of the old town. It is quite a climb!
Inside the old town, Piazza del Campo featuring Palazzo Pubblico is the main attraction.
Aperitivo at sunset can never be bettered. Alternatively, one can simply dine in one of the many restaurants which line the northern side of the Piazza.
On July 2nd and August 16th ever year, there are horse races held on the parapet surrounding the square. Do not find oneself in the center of the Piazza without a strong bladder. If you’re in, you’re in.
Duomo di Siena, the Cathedral, is one of the few such buildings the Hector has entered since 1969 when it was felt that every church in Roma was visited.
The sixteenth century Fortezza Medicea, complete with amphitheatre affords excellent views across the ravine to the historic centre.
Needless to say, procuring affordable and quality cuisine was never a problem despite the lack of Curry Houses, there used to be one. Both the traditional and Craft Beer scene were covered, though it did take legwork to track down the latter.
Recommended – a day trip to nearby Monteriggioni by local bus. This is a classic hilltop village, forty five minutes by Bus 130/131/136.
Bars and Restaurants visited:
Sindie – Via Pantaneto 103b, 53100 Siena
Maubit Pub – Vicolo Della Fortuna 21, 53100 Siena
Vineria Tirabusciò – Via S. Pietro 16, 53100 Siena
Bar Impero Siena – 12 Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, 10, 53100 Siena
Le Campane – Via delle Campane 6, 53100 Siena
Osteria La Sosta di Violante –
Du’ Cose da Berna – Via Diacceto 9/11, 53100 Siena
Osteria Babazuf Siena – Via Pantaneto 85/87, 53100 Siena