Siena
- Tuscany -
The beauty of Siena is appreciated only a few days after leaving it.
The memories emerge only a few days later. Many travelers recall their siena italy tours only after the journey ends.
"A unique work of art, which has no comparison in our western world. one complete animal, with head, heart, arteries, of which the almost intact remains, deposited on three hills."
- Bernard Berenson - American art historian
The beauty of Siena is appreciated only a few days after leaving it. When you’re there, too busy trying to see as much as possible, you don’t immediately realize the beauty of this town in the middle of Tuscany. The memories emerge only a few days later: first Piazza del Campo comes to mind with the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia; then the black and white of the Duomo, the Baptistery and all the rest. But perhaps most of all that we remember is the colour of the facades of buildings and roofs, that “Terra di Siena” known all over the world that makes the city landscape coherent, harmonious and beautiful to look at. This harmony is what many curated siena italy tours aim to showcase today, including experiences crafted by Bellarome Italian Vacations.
Perhaps this is what makes Siena so fascinating and loved: it has remained as intact as in the Middle Ages and is a kind of time travel, the search for a golden age that belonged to many other small and large Italian cities and that will never return. Piazza del Campo in Siena is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It has a characteristic shell shape with 9 segments, a detail that can only be seen from the top of the Torre del Mangia. Since 1300 it has been the center of the life of Siena and has played the role of market and gathering place of the Sienese during important political moments, parties and rides, as happens twice a year during the famous Palio. Piazza del Campo remains a centerpiece on almost all siena italy tours.
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What to see in Venice
Heart of the Most Serene Republic of Venice and, at the same time, a living room of Europe, Piazza San Marco has always had this “glocal” vocation: symbol of Venetianity and multicultural environment par excellence. It is inevitable that this will be the first stop for anyone arriving in the city. A photo in the centre of this trapezoidal square will also be an abused rite, to turn up the nose of some overzealous local, but “has to do” absolutely. All around there are works of inestimable value: from the Basilica, to the bell tower, to the Palazzo Ducale. Wonders that the whole world envies and therefore deserve to be treated separately. Many travelers continue exploring Italy through a Venice & Amalfi Coast tour or discover the charm of the city with curated Venice travel experiences offered by Bellarome Italian Vacations.
Basilica di San Marco
Having arrived in Piazza San Marco and having taken all the usual photos, the very first thing to do is to visit the Basilica of the same name. The reason is easy to say. It represents the living heritage of Roman, Byzantine and Venetian culture. Especially of the latter, since the inhabitants of the Serenissima, a proud people of sailors, have provided for centuries to embellish it and adorn it with artefacts from the most distant lands of the East.
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is a must for anyone wishing to explore the historical, cultural and political importance of Venice, for centuries the bridge city between the West and the East. A majestic architecture, emblem of Venetian Gothic, further enhanced by the enormous quantity of works of art preserved in the three large buildings that make up the structure. Verona is the theater where the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet was consummated, made immortal by the pen of William Shakespeare.
The Torre del Mangia in Siena
If you suffer from vertigo, you may not want to venture up to the 88-meter Torre del Mangia, but we warn you that you will miss an exceptional view. In fact, from up there, the show is truly breath-taking. You can see all of Siena: from Piazza del Campo, to the Duomo a little further away, to the distant hills. The best panoramic views are also part of premium siena italy tours itineraries.
The Palazzo Pubblico of Siena
The Palazzo Pubblico of Siena is the place par excellence of the political power of Siena. In fact, from the Government of the Nine until today, all the rulers of Siena have resided here. Inside the Civic Museum of Siena are the famous frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti representing the Allegory of Good and Bad Government.
The Duomo of Siena
You arrive at the Duomo after visiting Piazza del Campo. Still with the majesty of the Piazza in your eyes, one does not expect to be surprised again. But Siena offers the Duomo, where white and black prevail. Inside are the floor mosaics filled with esoteric symbols, the Piccolomini Library frescoed by Pinturicchio, the Piccolomini Chapel sculpted by Michelangelo, and the Pulpit created by Nicola Pisano.
The “career”, as it is traditionally called the race, normally takes place twice a year: on July 2nd the Palio is held in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano, the feast of the Visitation in extraordinary form, and on August 16th the one in honor of the Madonna Assunta.
