We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.

The interior of the cathedral is lovely, especially the marble floors and stained glass windows…read more There isn't any printed information or leaflets. They have an audio guide but you have to use your phone. I didn't have good reception on my mobile so I wasn't able to get any information about the church or art. I did really enjoy the crypt, so I am glad I got the ticket that included access to that.

This one hurts a little bit to write about. I did a summer abroad program in Venice in 2010. That…read moreis when I first learned about Il Palio. It's a historic bareback horse race in Siena that dates back to Medieval times. It takes place twice a year. And it's a huge event. The town is split up into different sections and you root for your horse. Each neighborhood has a different name and various designs for their 'hood. It's a huge deal and a matter of pride. I returned to Italy this year and checked out Il Palio. It's really a three-day affair with all of these various customs and ceremonies. You'll see parades. You'll see singing. Chanting. It's a sight to behold. Since I'm not from Siena, I joined one of the neighborhoods and bought a scarf to rep my "hood." I took part in all of the festivities leading up to the race. The race takes place in the town square, Piazza del Campo. I showed up early to get a good spot. All of the pre-race festivities took place. The horses came out. They were about to start. It hadn't rained all day. But it started raining right then. They canceled the race. I was devastated. My one opportunity to see this even in my life had fallen apart right at the climax. It wasn't even raining that bad. But I understand that it was probably a safety concern for the riders and horses. I get it. While my experience was beyond disappointing, Mother Nature controls everything. Hopefully, you have better luck than I do. If you attend the event, I'm sure it will be a unique and memorable experience for you.

I was lucky to have stayed in Sienna for 1 month in August so I was able to attend the Palio…read moredell'Assunta which is held on August 16, in honour of the Assumption of Mary. Il Patio does held twice a year at Piazza del Campo one in July and one in August. 10 contrades out of the 17 will enter into the race which last less than 2 minutes. Don't hold your breath, it finished so fast before you realized it started. The Town Square just filled with this energy before the race, arrive a little early if you want to get a spot.. but trust me, doesn't matter where you are, you cannot really see much...because it is so crowded!! Personally I enjoyed the pre and the post race celebrations a lot more, just go around the different contrades and of course after the race to the winner for a great celebrations! Just imagine the first modern II Patio was held 1656.. over 350 years ago.... the tradition even dated back to the Medieval time.

An amazing example of form and function combined with art. The original hospital of Siena in use…read morefor hundreds of years and continually added to. Finally shuttered in 1995. Filled with art and galleries and churches and and and...amazing multi level complex that is a walk through the history of Siena. Don't miss out on this museum when you go to Siena.

If you're fortunate enough to have your travels take you through idyllic Tuscany, then add the…read moremedieval town of Siena to your places to visit. It's one of the most visited, if not the most visited cities in Tuscany, and for good reason. It's also a UNESCO world heritage site. Inside the medieval city, you'll see the beautiful Duomo di Siena (admission charge for a visit inside), plentiful nice shopping and good places for food. Most importantly​, don't leave without visiting the Piazza del Campo. This is THE landmark site! It's a huge circular piazza where Il Palio, the famous horserace, takes place twice a year. It's also the main reason why Hubby, who loves horseracing, wanted to come see Siena. The riders all ride saddle-less in this four-day​ long race. It was also a part in a scene from James Bond's movie, "Quantam Solace". If you too are into horseracing, there's a fabulous little store, Luciano Valentini, that sells amazing prints of photos taken during Il Palio. They can ship their beautiful prints, or you can take them with you, as they will pristinely​ pack them. For Foodies and dessert aficionados​, you must try the ricciarelli cookies, which originated in Siena! Since my first visit to Italy after right college, these have been my favorite of all Italian cookies (and there are so so many different kinds!!!). And actually my favorite of all cookies! Yes, I like them better than even chocolate chip cookies. Sadly, the versions in the U.S. pale sadly in comparison, and I've tried them everywhere I see them. (Review forthcoming for A. Nannini, where I purchased great ones). Siena gets extremely touristy! We're here in later September, and there are still a good amount of tourists from all over the world. I've been here on previous visits during the peak of summer and it's almost unbearable. One of the best times to get a real sense of Siena is to see it late at night, about 11 pm and on when the hoards of tourists visiting for the day have all gone. Although the shops will be closed, it's very quiet, and walking through the streets in this medieval city will feel like you've gone back in medieval times. I did it once during my previous visits, and it was my most favorite and memorable moments in Siena.