You can see Siena from afar, resplendent in its medieval harmony. The three hills on which it stands are the high points in an idyllic backdrop of arable fields, where the edges of the ancient city melt into the countryside which in places looks like the background to Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s painting Allegory of Good Government in the Palazzo Pubblico. The Siena that greets you today is largely the same as it would have appeared back in 1300, and the preservation of its unique, coherent inheritance of medieval architecture is one of the main reasons to visit such a magnificent city, which has for a long time been all too aware that it lives in a fragile equilibrium.
Some of Tuscany’s most beautiful areas lie immediately around Siena. Just think of San Gimignano, which is an easy bus ride away: the city whose towers have earned it the name of medieval Manhattan. This ancient city, which goes back to Etruscan times, has so many traditions, and among them, we cannot forget its cuisine: Siena, in fact, boasts the largest and tastiest menu of sweet foods in all Tuscany. Ricciarelli, panforte, pan pepato, budini di riso, cavallucci and copate all must be tried. As must pici, a type of thick, handmade fresh pasta, pecorino cheese, and Cinta Senese sausage.