What's on in Siena
Sunday at Santa Maria della Scala
Free openings
On the first Sunday of every month, Santa Maria della Scala is open free of charge. An opportunity to visit the museum complex including the National Archaeological Museum.
https://www.santamariadellascala.com/domenica-al-santa-maria-della-scala/
Classic Siena tour
Every day from 18th April
Departure from Piazza Salimbeni, we will walk the streets with the most beautiful historic buildings such as Palazzo Salimbeni and Palazzo Tolomei. We will proceed to the monumental Piazza del Campo. The tour will end inside the Cathedral, a jewel of Romanesque-Gothic architecture which contains works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Pinturicchio and Bernini, among others.
The Cathedral cannot be visited on Sundays and on Catholic holidays. In that case we will visit the magnificent Museum of Santa Maria della Scala, the ancient hospital of the city, a thousand-year compendium of art, history, hospitality, care and daily life.
Entry to the CATHEDRAL (or Santa Maria della Scala museum) included in the tour ticket.
Duration: about 1 hour.
Info and Bookings: www.guidesiena.it
National Art Gallery of Siena: meeting with the Louvre
until May 12, 2025
The Gesuati Polyptych by Sano di Pietro, exceptionally reconstituted thanks to the prestigious loan from the Musée du Louvre.
The "predella" with the stories of San Girolamo, part of the polyptych created by Sano di Pietro in 1444, will be visible for the first time in Siena, from January 29 to May 12, 2025.
As part of the same collaboration agreement, the Madonna dei Francescani by Duccio di Buoninsegna is exhibited at the Louvre in Paris, in a time of renewed interest in Sienese painting of the early fifteenth century.
https://www.pinacotecanazionalesiena.it/ricostituzione-della-pala-dei-gesuati/
National Art Gallery of Siena: guided tours
April 2025
Free guided tours (included in the entrance ticket to the Art Gallery) on the days:
4 April at 3.30pm: free accompanied visit to the National Art Gallery of Siena
5 April at 3.30pm: free accompanied visit to the National Art Gallery of Siena
11 April 3.30 pm: free accompanied visit to the National Art Gallery of Siena
12 April at 3.30 pm: free accompanied visit to the National Art Gallery of Siena
18 April at 3.30pm: free accompanied visit to the National Art Gallery of Siena with thematic readings
www.pinacotecanazionalesiena.it
What to do / What to see
Discover Siena
Piazza del Campo
The beating heart of Sienna is the Piazza del Campo. With its unique shell-shape and the overlooking Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall), this iconic space is the stage for the Palio di Siena historical horse race.
Palio di Siena
The Palio is something more than just a horse race. It is an ancient tradition that inflames the hearts of citizens lined up in the Contrade (districts) and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
The Town Hall
The Palazzo Pubblico represents the civic soul of the town. To understand the essence of Sienna, visitors are invited to discover the Cortile del Podestà, explore the Museo Civico with famous frescoes including Il Buon Governo by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, the Maestà by Simone Martini, and finally climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia (the Bell Tower) which offers a 360° view over the rooftops of Siena and the entire surrounding countryside.
Duomo di Siena
The Cathedral of Sienna, a masterpiece of gothic architecture, captures the visitor's attention with its elaborate facade, its splendid interiors and its unique marble floor.With the works of artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Nicola and Giovanni Pisano and Domenico Beccafumi, the Cathedral of Sienna represents a tribute to the rich artistic heritage and to the spiritual devotion of the city.
Santa Maria della Scala
On the Piazza del Duomo, visitors come across the ancient hospital Santa Maria della Scala, once a place of refuge and care for pilgrims and travellers.Today its halls host museums and exhibitions that offer a glimpse into Sienna's past, preserving the stories and artefacts that have shaped the city's identity.
Fortezza Medicea
The formidable fortress built in the 16th century by the Medici family, offers panoramic views of Sienna and the surrounding countryside.Its imposing walls, a reminder of Sienna's tumultuous history are today a peaceful place where to stroll in the shade of the holm oaks.
The Water Springs of Sienna
Walking along the paved streets of Sienna, you come across the Fonti di Siena, elegant fountains that mark the urban landscape. They offer refreshment and beauty to residents and travellers and state the deep bond between Sienna and its underground water.
Alleys and Stairways
In Sienna, every corner tells a story. It is a town where past and present merge, where history lives in the animated streets and majestic monuments, inviting visitors to immerse in timeless beauty and ancient traditions.Day trips in Tuscany
Thanks to its convenient central location, Sienna is an ideal starting point for day trips to discover the jewels of Tuscany.
Arezzo
Less than 75 km from Sienna, Arezzo can be easily reached by car in about an hour. In Arezzo we recommend parking conveniently just outside the walls at the "Pietri" paid car park and then enjoying the pedestrian centre.Before returning to Sienna, we recommend making a stop at the small and characteristic Cortona.
Volterra
From Sienna, Volterra is easily reachable by car or motorbike, the evocative one-hour journey along the roads that wind along picturesque olive groves is a unique experience.Volterra - located on top of a hill - retains its Etruscan roots and its medieval charm and on clear days it is possible to spot the Tuscan coast on the horizon.
Firenze
Only 75 km from Siena, Florence is easily reachable both by car and by bus. To avoid the bother of finding car park in the centre of Florence, we recommend the bus. It runs every hour and in about 90 minutes you will be in the centre of Florence. You can purchase tickets online.Info: https://www.at-bus.it/en/linee-e-orari/regionali-131r
If you prefer to go by car, it is possible to park in "Bottai" (a small village near Florence where you will find a large car park) and from there reach the city centre by bus.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano enchants with its iconic skyline adorned with ancient towers, earning the nickname "Medieval Manhattan".Its well-preserved historic centre invites exploration of the narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and charming little squares.
From Siena, San Gimignano is easily reachable by car, offering a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour along country roads.
Alternatively, travellers can take the bus from Siena to San Gimignano, which offers a budget-friendly option to explore this UNESCO site. During the day trip to San Gimignano, we recommend making a stop at the the medieval castle of Monteriggioni crowned by its ancient towers, before returning to Siena.
Castellina in Chianti and Chianti Classico
To reach the charming town of Castellina in Chianti by car, take the SR222 road, also known as Chiantigiana.Follow the signs for “Castellina in Chianti” along this panoramic road, you will pass through the picturesque Tuscan landscape characterized by vineyards and rolling hills.
Along the way you will find several wineries that offer visits and tastings of Chianti Classico wine.
Once in Castellina in Chianti, enjoy the characteristic square and medieval streets.
Just outside the town, less than 10 minutes on foot, you can easily visit the Etruscan mound, evidence of the ancient origins of the village.
Pienza, Montepulciano e Val D'Orcia
Embark on fascinating day trips from Siena to Pienza, Montepulciano and Val d'Orcia - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take the SR2 road (Via Cassia) and admire the postcardperfect landscapes along the way.In Pienza, explore the charm of its Renaissance architecture and indulge in a taste of the famous pecorino cheese.
Explore the medieval streets of Montepulciano, famous for its Vino Nobile, and enjoy the panoramic views from its dominant position on the hill.
Sustainable Holidays
Hiking on the Via Francigena
The famous Via Francigena passes at a very short distance from the Residence Le Meridiane. You can reach it on foot and follow it both towards the North returning to Le Meridiane with a circular route; or towards the South passing through the historic centre of Siena. Info and directions on excursions to undertake on foot are available at the reception. For sandwiches and packed lunches we recommend making a stop at the local Grocery Shop “Bar de' Cappuccini” (check the seasonal opening days), which is just a ten minutes walk from Le Meridiane.
Cycling itineraries
The “Terre di Siena” (Sienna's countryside territory) is ideal for bike lovers. There are plenty of climbs, descents, dirt and asphalted roads suitable for sports enthusiasts. To receive information on itineraries and recommendations for all difficulties, send us an email to info@lemeridiane.com or ask directly at our reception desk during your stay.
Wine Tasting at a Winery... by Bus
Free from cars, you can travel carefree and low impact. From ResidenceLe Meridiane it is easy to reach a famous wine cellar winery in the heart of Chianti Classico by public transport.
To be able to taste excellent wines in complete freedom, you can leave your car safely in our garage and then travel by bus. At the reception you will receive all the details and itineraries.
Visit Castellina in Chianti car-free
The charming town of Castellina in Chianti is easily reachable thanks to the “ExtraUrbano” bus number 125 (Siena – Radda) which leaves from Siena station. Information, timetables and details are available at the Reception.
Nature excursion at the “Parco Fluviale dell'Elsa”
The Nature Park of the Elsa Valley is a 4 km hiking route along the Elsa River where it is possible to enjoy nature and the historic mills dating back to the 17th century.In some places it is possible to relax and go for a swim.
It can be reached from Le Meridiane by public transportation: the “Extraurbano” Bus number 130 leads right to one of the Park's entrances.
Activities for adults and children – Sienna for Kids!
“Orto de' Pecci” Educational Farm
An ideal stop for the whole family is the Orto de' Pecci, right at the foot of Piazza del Mercato in Valle di Porta Giustizia.Not far from Piazza del Campo the Orto de' Pecci contains an educational farm with animals as well as a medieval vegetable garden. In the past this valley was a point of forced passage for condemned persons (hence the name "Porta Giustizia" - Justice Gate). Now it is an idyllic meeting place for families with children who can spend afternoons surrounded by nature.
The Botanical Garden of Sienna
(Via Pier Andrea Mattioli 4, Siena)Located in the historic centre of Sienna, this hidden jewel is home to over two thousand plant species from all over the world. In the past, it was used to grow medical plants.
Heir to the sixteenth century Orto dei Semplici, today the Botanical Garden is part of the Botanical Museum. Used for scientific research and conservation, it features native and exotic species across two and a half hectares, with an alternation of 19th-century and modern styles.
Museo dell’Acqua di Siena
(Strada delle Fonti di Pescaia n° 1 ).A very short distance from Residence Le Meridiane (less than 15 minutes on foot) are the Water Springs of Pescaia, the Water Museum and the underground Bottino which can all be visited. The museum itinerary illustrates the ancient relationship that tied Sienna to its water. A town without rivers, which has managed to create a complex underground hydraulic system to supply the numerous fountains with running water. Free entry for children under 11 years old. The visit is made by reservation, purchasing tickets online.
From Le Meridiane Residence
Bicycles
Bicycles are available to our guests for free.Electric bikes for rent: the e-bikes must be booked a few days in advance to guarantee availability.
Walking
Discover our olive grove and our private foot path that leads to the Urban Park of Sienna with an equipped health trail and children's play area. From the Park it is possible to continue and reach the historic centre of Sienna on foot.
Barbecue
The Barbecue area can be used free of charge upon reservation at the reception.
Guided Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting
advance reservation requiredGuided visits and wine tours
In Collaboration with My Tour in Italy
