Torre del Mangia
This iconic tower in Siena's most famous centre, Piazza del Campo has some of the best views in Tuscany. This tower competes with the bell tower in the duomo for highest point in the city, as do most cities in Italy that share the same rivalry between church and state.
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Price: 8 euros a day
Hours: Winter (October 16 - February 28) 10:00 am - 4 pm, ticket office closes at 3:15 pm. Summer (March 1-Ocotber 15) 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, ticket office closes at 6:15 pm.
What to wear: Wear closed shoes or sandals that stay on (preferably not flip flops. Ladies, you will be climbing a ladder at the end, I would advise to not do this in a short dress or skirt.
What to know climbing the tower: It is a tight space at the beginning, for those of you who are claustrophobic, it opens up a lot more after the first stage. There is also a time to climb up, you may find yourself having to wait 10 minutes or so to let the others finish going up or down.
Helpful link: https://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/tower-of-mangia.html
Il Duomo di Siena
This gothic style church lies in a piazza above the main Piazza del Campo. This church has pieces from Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as a collection of frescos. The inside of the church is unique and spectacular with its tall black and white towers.
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Price: 4 euros
Hours: March 1 - November 2: 10:30 - 7:00 pm; November 3 - February 28: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; December 26 - January 6: 10:30 am - 7:00pm
What to wear: Like most cathedrals, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Helpful link: https://www.discovertuscany.com/siena/siena-churches/duomo.html
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Il Palio di Siena
Il Palio di Siena is the oldest horse race in the world. The first Palio as we know it today took place in 1633. Before it was done on the backs of Buffalos than changed to donkey back, until finally bringing in horse racing. The 17 contrade or small districts within the old city walls of Siena compete against each other twice a year. The first takes place on July 2nd, Palio di Provenzano. The second takes place on August 16, it's called Palio dell'Assunta. The first Palio consists of 10 horses racing against each other, the second Palio will include the remaining 7 plus the victor of the first Palio. The next year, the 7 remained for the second year the previous year will be included in the first Palio, and 3 more contrade will be added. The ultimate winner being the winner of the Palio in August. The jockeys ride bareback and are only paired with their horse a few days before the Palio. Another interesting fact about the Palio is that the horse wins the race, not the jockey. It has happened in the past where a horse without a rider will cross the finish line first, in which case that Contrada has won the Palio.
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Price: watching the Palio is free if you want to watch it in the middle of the Piazza del Campo. If you want to watch on the bleachers or on a balcony you will need to buy tickets way in advance, and it gets expensive.
Dates: July 2 and August 16 (every year), can be delayed because of weather.
What to wear: If you are planning to be in the piazza all day wear something comfortable, you'll be standing there for a while.
