Tourist Attractions & Monuments Italy

Historic centre of Siena, home of life and reference point whatever your itinerary, the "Campo" as the Sienese call it offers an extraordinary perspective. This famous square, one of the most beautiful in Italy, was built in 1293 according to an original design in the shape of an inverted shell that follows the natural shape of the land, divided into nine parts (symbol of the Council of Nine who watched over the city in the 13th and 14th centuries). It was here, over the centuries, that great speeches were proclaimed to the people, that clashes tore the city apart, that Saint Bernardine (1380-1444) preached and stigmatized the frivolity of Sienese women.

During the famous Palio, the red brick paving of the square is covered with sand and becomes a frantic race ground for raw horses.

In the centre, the Fonte Gaia fountain collects the spring water that flows down the slopes of the surrounding hills. Dating from the 15th century, it is the work of the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. The marble ornaments depict the Creation of Adam, a Virgin and Child, the Virtues and Adam and Eve driven from Paradise (the originals are in the Palazzo Pubblico).

Around it are the Sansedoni Palace (13th century), the Elci degli Alessi Palace (16th century), the Town Hall (Palazzo Pubblico) built between 1284 and 1310, and its 102-metre medieval tower, one of the highest in Italy. All offer their superb facades, reflecting the power of the public and private city, and forming a harmonious monumental ensemble of rare beauty.

A unique, stimulating and interesting interactive museum showcasing Leonardo da Vinci's most important inventions. Visitors can satisfy their curiosity by trying out the mechanisms of the machines designed by Leonardo in his codes, such as the giant tank, the catapult... This well-thought-out interactivity offers a hands-on experience that differs from conventional exhibitions. The museum also features educational laboratories and a well-stocked bookshop.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Italy. A true stone book, it is also one of the most beautiful creations of Italian Romano-Gothic art, the construction of which lasted almost two centuries (12th and 14th centuries), a symbol of Siena's wealth and prosperity.

Most of its sumptuous façade,built between 1284 and 1299, is the work of Giovanni Pisano, although the bas-relief on the south side of the Pardon Gate is by Donatello (the original is in the Museum of the Work). The facade is composed of white, black and red marble, its three portals and colonnades are decorated with fine sculptures. The horizontal effect of the white and black marble stripes characterizes its bell tower dating from 1313.
The interioris remarkable with its height under the ceiling. At your feet, the coloured marble floor, finely worked and divided into 56 sacred and profane scenes, is exceptional. Unfortunately, it is not possible to see all of them at the same time because a part is covered to preserve them. The finesse of the whole, created between 1372 and 1547, is prodigious. When the German composer Richard Wagner visited the cathedral, he was "moved to tears by this show," his wife Cosima told in a letter written in 1880

, and the choir and high altar are byBaldassarre Peruzzi (1506). In the right transept, we can see a Baroque chapel attributed to Bernini, while the left transept houses the splendid pulpit with porphyry columns and green marble of Nicola Pisano, a marvel of Gothic sculpture, as well as works by Donatello (such as the bronze statue of Saint John the Baptist). There is also Michelangelo's Saint Paul (1502), probably a self-portrait.

The crypt, opened to the public in 2002, located under the duomo's pulpit, is a total surprise. There are frescoes from 1270-1275 in a remarkably preserved state. This cycle of paintings was made dry (pittura a secco) by several artists such as Guido da Siena, Dietisalvi di Speme, Guido di Graziano and Rinaldo da Siena. 180 m² of scenes including the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus. Access is from the back of the main entrance of the cathedral, through the San Giovanni Baptistery.

Against the left side of the cathedral, the Libreria Piccolomini, built in 1495 by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini Todeschini (future Pope Pius III), should not be missed.