My Travel & Photography Guide to Siena, Italy
Discovering Siena
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is one of my favorite cities in Italy. Siena’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. I have probably been to Siena a dozen times and I am always happy to return.
There is something about the architecture, narrow streets, and, of course, the iconic Duomo that makes me want to visit over and over again. I would highly recommend staying for at least 1 night. During the day, you will find a lot of day-trippers from Florence, so being able to photograph the city early in the morning or in the evening is much more relaxing.
View from Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico
Siena, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, is like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history. Known for its stunning Piazza del Campo and the impressive Duomo, this city is a place every photographer and traveler will enjoy.
A fun fact: Several movies have featured Siena as a filming location. One of the most notable is "Quantum of Solace" (2008), a James Bond film that includes thrilling scenes shot during the Palio di Siena, the famous horse race in Piazza del Campo. Another is "Under the Tuscan Sun" (2003), which, although primarily set in the Tuscan countryside, features scenes in various Tuscan towns, including Siena, capturing the region's picturesque charm.
Let's dive into a complete guide to make your journey to Siena as memorable as your photos.
Where to Stay
When visiting Siena, staying in the city center will ensure you're close to all the main attractions and the best photography spots. Here are some excellent hotel options:
Luxury Hotels
Grand Hotel Continental Siena - A 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, stunning city views, and impeccable service.
Hotel Il Battistero Siena - Located in the heart of the city, this hotel combines historic charm with modern comforts.
Hotel Relais degli Angeli - An elegant boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and a prime location.
Mid-Level Hotels
Hotel Athena - Offers great value with comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace, and panoramic views of Siena.
Palazzo Ravizza - A charming hotel with a beautiful garden, just a short walk from the main attractions.
Hotel Minerva - Known for its friendly service, comfortable rooms, and central location.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Siena is spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the city is not overly crowded. These periods also offer the best natural lighting for photography. If you visit in July or August, you can experience the famous Palio di Siena, a historic horse race that adds vibrant energy and unique photo opportunities to the city.
Parking Facilities:
If you are visiting Siena for the day, try to get there early. Parking can be challenging to find. Here are a few places where I usually can find parking:
Parcheggio Santa Caterina: This parking lot is centrally located and within walking distance to the city center. It's a convenient choice if you want to explore Siena on foot.
Address: Via Esterna di Fontebranda, 27, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Approximate Cost: €2 per hour
Parcheggio Il Campo: Situated near the famous Piazza del Campo, this parking facility is ideal for those who want quick access to the main attractions.
Address: Via di Fontanella, 2, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Approximate Cost: €2 per hour
Parcheggio Stadio Fortezza: This large parking area is located near the Medici Fortress and is a bit further from the city center, but it offers more availability and is still within a reasonable walking distance.
Address: Fortezza Medicea, Viale Vittorio Veneto, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Approximate Cost: €2 per hour
Tips for Parking in Siena:
Arrive Early: Parking lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Arriving early in the morning will increase your chances of finding a spot.
Use Public Transport: Consider using Siena's public transportation if parking options are limited. There are convenient buses that can take you close to the city center.
Pay Attention to ZTL Zones: Siena has many restricted traffic zones (ZTL) where unauthorized vehicles are not allowed. Be mindful of these areas to avoid fines.
Parking in Siena can be a bit challenging due to its medieval layout, but with a little planning, you can find convenient options to explore this charming city.
Getting Around
Siena's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, which is ideal for photographers who want to capture the city's intimate details. While ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are not available in Siena, the city has a reliable local bus service. For nearby excursions, consider renting a bike or a car to explore the Tuscan countryside.
Where to Eat
You will not starve in Siena. There are many great food options if you walk away from the very touristy areas with menus in English and someone outside encouraging you to come in. One place we always visit is a gelato shop called La Vecchia Latteria (Via San Pietro, 10, 53100 Siena SI, Italy), located by the Duomo.
Osteria La Sosta di Violante - Offers traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist.
Ristorante Da Enzo - A family-run restaurant known for its hearty local cuisine.
Antica Osteria da Divo - Located near the Duomo, this restaurant combines great food with an atmospheric setting.
Ristorante Tar-Tufo specializes in truffle-based dishes that are perfect for a unique culinary experience.
Trattoria Papei - A cozy spot offering classic Sienese dishes.
Coffee Shops
Caffè Nannini - A historic café perfect for a morning espresso and pastry.
Bar Il Palio - Offers great coffee with a view of Piazza del Campo.
Café La Fortezza - A modern café located near the Fortezza Medicea.
Tea Room - Known for its extensive tea selection and cozy atmosphere.
Photography Gear to Bring
To make the most of your photographic journey in Siena, consider bringing:
Camera: Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z8, Leica Q2, or Sony A7 III for their excellent image quality and versatility.
Lenses: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for architecture shots, a standard zoom lens (24-70mm) for everyday use, and a telephoto lens (70-200mm) for capturing details from afar.
A zoom lens for distant subjects and candid street photography.
A tripod for stability, especially for night shots.
Plenty of memory cards and extra batteries.
Drone: If you're into aerial photography, bring a drone like the DJI Mavic Mini Pro 3 to capture stunning overhead shots of the city. Always check local laws before flying your drone.
Best Photography Locations: Capture Siena's Essence
Here are some of the best locations to capture stunning images:
Piazza del Campo:
The heart of Siena, Piazza del Campo, is known for its unique shell shape and the Torre del Mangia. It will make you stop in your tracks.
The Campo is quite large and often very crowded. So if you stay overnight you will be able to get shots without too many people in the scene.
The Duomo Of Siena:
The Duomo di Siena, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, significant for its stunning façade and intricate sculptures. It will literally make you stop in your tracks.
The interior is equally stunning, featuring works by renowned artists like Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. Additionally, its elaborate marble floor mosaics, depicting biblical scenes and allegories, are considered among Italy's most ornate and extensive.
The Cathedral is stunning!! If you only have time to see one thing in Siena, this is where you should spend your time. While the exterior is incredible the inside is equally stunning.
Inside the Cathedral
Do not forget to photograph the interior of the dome. The interior is equally impressive, with intricate frescoes and decorative elements that reflect the grandeur of the cathedral. The lantern at the top of the dome was added later and enhances the overall aesthetic, allowing light to illuminate the interior beautifully.
You could spend hours inside photographing every corner.
Even the ceiling is just breathtaking.
The most notable stained glass window is the rose window located in the apse, behind the high altar. This window was designed by Duccio di Buoninsegna, one of the most important painters of the 14th century.
Finally, do not miss The Piccolomini Library. The Piccolomini Library was commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini Todeschini (later Pope Pius III) to honor the memory of his uncle, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II. The library was designed to house the cardinal's precious book collection and to serve as a tribute to his illustrious uncle.
BASILICA CATERINIANA SAN DOMENICO
The main reason for coming here is the stunning view point looking out towards the city and Duomo!
PORTO SALARIA & VIA DIACCETO
There is a nice lookout point near the Porto Salaria along Via Diacceto towards the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico and the steep streets below. There are some shops, cafes, and restaurants here.
I love the numerous alleyways in Siena.
There are dozens and dozens of alleyways.
Saint Christopher's Church
Saint Christopher's Church in Siena, also known as San Cristoforo, is one of the city's oldest churches, dating back to the 11th century. It played a crucial role in Siena's medieval political and social life, serving as a meeting place for the Council of the Republic of Siena.
Via di Città:
A charming street lined with medieval buildings, perfect for capturing the essence of Siena's architecture.
Torre del Mangia:
View of the Torre del Mangia (Piazza del Campo, Siena) from the courtyard. The courtyard's entrance is free, and you can visit it at night as well. You will need a wide-angle lens to capture it.
Siena Courtyard: (Address 132 Montanisi)
One of the many beautiful courtyards in Siena. The spot is a bit away from the main attractions, so there aren't too many people there. But I think it is worth the walk!
Special Festivals and Holidays
Palio di Siena: Held on July 2nd and August 16th, this historic horse race is a must-see event, offering vibrant and dramatic photo opportunities.
Festa della Madonna di Provenzano: Celebrated in early July, this religious festival includes processions and events that are great for capturing local culture.
Wrapping it UP
Siena's timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable destination for both travelers and photographers.
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