Located in the heart of Tuscany, the captivating province of Siena is an alluring blend of hill-top towns, lush vineyards and Renaissance architecture. Siena villas are set amid picturesque landscapes with mountains and valleys providing a dramatic backdrop. The Italian province is the perfect location to indulge in all the gastronomic delights of the country as well as the relaxed café culture and traditional customs of Tuscany. When you rent a villa in Siena there will also be plenty of surrounding attractions to fill your days, with bustling piazzas, walled forts and Gothic cathedrals in abundance.
Most people on Siena villa holidays spend at least a day exploring the medieval capital of the province, the city of Siena. The UNESCO World Heritage Site overflows with many historical and artistic sights, and is ideal for sightseeing as cars are not allowed within the city walls. However, the city is built upon three hills so be sure to take comfortable footwear! One of the places most frequented by people who rent a villa in Siena city is the Piazza del Campo – one of Italy’s largest piazzas, which is uniquely shaped like a shell. This is the perfect place for a coffee and respite during a day of sightseeing in the charming city.
The appeal of Siena villa holidays is that the city is normally quieter than its historical rival Florence, making sightseeing much more enjoyable. Of all the historical sights visitors staying in Siena villas can enjoy, the most spectacular is the 13th century Duomo Cathedral. The landmark is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Italy with a mesmerising interior of black and white striped pillars, spectacular facades and Renaissance frescos. Another must-see is the Santa Maria della Scala, an archaeological museum that was originally built in the 9th century as one of Europe’s first hospitals. Inside you will find pieces of art and epic frescos that detail the hospital’s history.
One of the most popular times to rent a villa in Siena is during the Palio horse race, which is held in July and August each year. This is one of the most famous events in Italy and features 10 of the 17 different historical wards of the city competing against each other. Spectators staying in villas in Siena flock to the city to see the races and the magnificent pageants that precede them. However be warned that the jockeys ride the horses bareback and it is not uncommon for competitors to be thrown off their horses during the race.
Outside of the city there are many other locations to choose from when looking at Siena villas for a holiday. For awe-inspiring views stay near the medieval hill-top town San Gimignano. The sandy-coloured town perches over 300m above sea level, overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful Elsa Valley which is rich in olive groves, vineyards and vast poppy fields. San Gimignano is well known for its 14 beautiful towers that merge into the skyline, a sight that can be seen from many Siena villas. The tallest tower, Torre Grossa, which is located in the Cathedral Square, offers the most phenomenal vantage point of the town.
Out of all the medieval walled settlements within reach of villas in Siena, Monteriggioni is one of the most impressive. The ancient walls and buildings which were created in the 13th century have had very little work done to them since, making it one of the best preserved communes of its kind in Italy. Nearby Siena villas may offer views of the hamlet appearing to float at night, when the hill-side walls and buildings are lit. The most exciting time to visit the village is during the “Festa Medievale” in July. Locals and professionals dress in medieval costumes, putting on shows and displays of ancient arts, crafts and entertainment.
Siena villas are extremely popular as the location of the province makes it easy to explore a range of places from your villa. Siena is only around a one hour drive away from Florence, the capital of Tuscany, where you can see an array of art in the Uffizi Gallery which exhibits paintings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The region is home to a diverse selection of holiday accommodation so you will be able to choose from city apartments to luxury villas in Siena. Many of these properties are within reach of train and bus stations that allow people staying in Siena villas to visit well known places such as Pisa on day trips.
Of course delectable food and drink is one of the highlights of visiting Italy and Tuscan food has a particularly rustic flair. Local dishes include wild boar, Tuscan stew and pasta and wherever you rent a
Siena villa you are sure to have a variety of local restaurants and cafés to choose from. You will also find great wine selections in the province that can be enjoyed in the sociable settings of brasseries or in the privacy of
Siena villas. The local wine is Chianti Classico, which originates from the Chianti region. There are many towns worth exploring if you visit vineyards in the area including Castellina, Radda and Castello di Volpaia.
