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If you’re already familiar with Siena, let me take you off the beaten path to one of my favorite lesser-known museums: the Biccherne Collection in the State Archives. These beautifully painted covers of the city’s oldest financial records offer a fascinating glimpse into Siena’s past.
To truly understand the spirit of Siena, we’ll dive into the world of the Palio by visiting one of the city’s 17 Contrade (neighborhoods). You’ll explore its museum, church, and horse stall, while meeting locals whose passion for this centuries-old tradition is contagious.
We’ll also uncover the full extent of the Cathedral complex, which includes the Baptistery, the hidden Crypt, and the Museum, home to original masterpieces by Giovanni Pisano and Duccio di Buoninsegna. For the best panoramic view of Siena, we’ll climb to the top of the Facciatone, the unfinished façade of the cathedral.
Just across from the Cathedral stands one of the oldest hospitals in Europe (Santa Maria della Scala), now a unique museum. Its frescoes vividly depict daily life inside the hospital over the centuries.
