Siena

As I mentioned before, I spent four months studying in Siena. Siena is a medieval city in Tuscany that is very famous for several reasons. It is home to La Piazza del Campo, “Il Palio", famous cathedrals, and several museums.

The Campo
Originally uploaded by rdesai.

La Piazza del Campo is known in Italy as “the brick beach.” The Torre del Mangia faces the open piazza, where tourists and locals sit in the sun or eat at one of the many restaurants outlining the piazza. I wouldn’t recommend these restaurants, however, because they are more expensive and give you smaller portions. Instead, my favorite place to eat in Siena is La Taverna di Cecco, where the food is unbelievable and you get more than your money’s worth. Also, for the best gelato in the city go to Gelateria Brivido, and then stop by Nannini Bar for an amazing hot chocolate! Some of my favorite pubs (bars) to go to in the area are the Aussie Pub and Barone Rosso. In Italy they make a drink called “l’Americano,” and I have no idea what’s in it, but it was a big hit with our group. As for food, ”pici” is the way to go. It’s a thick spaghetti-type of pasta that the Tuscans are famous for, and I could have eaten it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Siena’s other major attraction is Il Palio. Il Palio is a horse race that is held in the Piazza del Campo 2-3 times every summer, in which each of the contrade (neighborhoods) sponsors a jockey. I haven’t seen it for myself yet, but I’ve heard it’s an amazing event to experience.

To find a local hotel check out Holiday City Europe.