Summer Evening in Siena

In the summer of 2020, travel planning was shaped by the Corona pandemic. Which destinations were not risk areas, and where could one travel safely and in a relaxed way? We definitely wanted to see the sea and opted for the Maremma in southern Tuscany. On the way there, we planned an overnight stay in Siena, which we had last visited about 18 years ago.

Siena is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Hardly any other city boasts such a well-preserved medieval structure and building fabric as Siena. This year, however, the city was filled with significantly fewer visitors. This was also noticeable in the almost empty car parks near the fortress, close to the centre. We were able to freely choose a pitch for the night, with a direct view of the impressive panorama of the old town. Immediately after arriving on the hot afternoon, we first set up the roof tent to take a break until early evening when the temperatures would be more pleasant.

Our tour began at the Basilica di San Domenico, which offers a panoramic view of the opposite ridge with the old town. Above the slopes, filled with intricate brick houses and palaces, pastel-coloured render, and terracotta roof tiles, the white and green marble facade of the Duomo and the slender bell tower of the Town Hall rise visibly from afar. We slowly climbed the steps to Siena Cathedral, a unique example of Gothic architecture in Italy. There, we lingered in a shady spot and enjoyed the sight of the richly decorated main portal. Siena Cathedral bears a strong resemblance to the Duomo di Orvieto; whether and, if so, what reciprocal influences existed between these contemporary construction projects is still unclear. Towards the end of the 13th century, cities like Florence, Venice, and Pisa competed to build the largest and most magnificent churches. However, this was less for religious than for secular reasons, to demonstrate their economic power and potential.

In the narrow, shady alleys of the old town, the summer heat was more bearable. We eventually turned a corner and saw how the Torre del Mangia, illuminated by the warm evening light, brightened the dark alley and pointed the way to Siena’s unique ‘living room’, the Piazza del Campo. This shell-shaped square resembles an amphitheatre and is framed by medieval, multi-storey buildings. The square provides the stage for the city’s vibrant evening life, which can be comfortably observed from the terrace of one of the numerous restaurants.

More pictures of Siena in the Tuscany Gallery.