Family Adventure in the Heart of Siena

A Warm Tuscan Welcome

After our scenic drive from Lyon, the heart of Tuscany greeted us with open arms. Siena, with its terracotta rooftops and medieval charm, immediately captivated Sophie, Jean-Pierre, and me. The air was filled with the promise of adventure, and I couldn't wait to explore this historic city with my family.

Our first stop was breakfast at La Taverna di San Giuseppe. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee was the perfect start to our day. Sophie, ever the picky eater, surprised us by devouring a *cornetto* with gusto. Fuelled up, we were ready to dive into Siena's rich history. The weather in May is simply perfect, with the sun kissing our skin as we strolled through the narrow streets, soaking in the atmosphere. It’s such a welcome change from Lyon; though I love our home, the vibrant energy of Italy is infectious.

Our initial destination was the legendary Piazza del Campo, the main public space of the Sienese Historic Centre, Tuscany, Italy. As we stepped into the piazza, its unique shell shape and the warm, inviting atmosphere enveloped us. Sophie was immediately drawn to the Fonte Gaia, a beautiful fountain at the square's northwest edge, marveling at the water. Jean-Pierre, always the history enthusiast, pointed out the nine sections of the piazza, each representing one of the Nine Lords who governed Siena in the late 13th century. It's incredible to think that this very space was once a green area used as a marketplace. The square is paved with a red brick fishbone pattern divided into ten sections. These divisions are said to reflect the rule of the IX mercantile-banking oligarchy that ruled Siena between 1287-1355. In spiritual terms, the sections were said to resemble the folds in the cloak of the Virgin Mary, who was considered the ultimate ruler of Siena. The Piazza del Campo has been the site of annual bullfights, festivals, and the Palio, a 90-second horse race that occurs twice a year.


Discover the enchanting Piazza del Campo, a vibrant medieval square in Siena, Italy, rich in history and local culture.

Siena is not a museum to be observed, but a vibrant stage where history comes alive.

Next on our itinerary was the magnificent Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Siena. As we approached, the imposing façade of white marble, decorated with red Sienese stone and black serpentinite, left us in awe. The lower half of the façade, designed in the Romano-Gothic style by Giovanni Pisano, was particularly striking. The Duomo was built between 1215 and 1263. The cathedral was designed in part by Gothic master Nicola Pisano. His son, Giovanni, drew up the plans for the lower half of the facade, begun in 1285. The facade's upper half was added in the 14th century. We stepped inside, and the interior, dominated by black and white marble, was breathtaking. The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta is one of Italy's most impressive Romano-Gothic churches. It was consecrated in 1179 by the Sienese Pope Alexander II. Inside the Cathedral is the marble mosaic inlay and graffito floor, which Giorgio Vasari considered the most beautiful, largest, and most magnificent floor ever made.


Discover the sublime beauty of Siena Cathedral, a Gothic marvel filled with rich history, stunning art, and breathtaking architecture in the heart of Tuscany.

After exploring the Duomo, we ventured into the Piccolomini Library, located inside the cathedral. This hidden gem was commissioned in 1492 by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini to house the book heritage of Pope Pius II. The library's walls and ceiling are adorned with vibrant frescoes by Pinturicchio, depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II. Sophie was fascinated by the colorful paintings, while Jean-Pierre and I admired the intricate details and the historical significance of the library. The library was built to honor the memory of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini (Pope Pius II). The library is inspired by the French tradition of having libraries attached to cathedrals. In the center of the room is a statue depicting the Three Graces. The frescoes adorning the library were painted by Pinturicchio and his workshop between 1503 and 1508. They celebrate the life and work of Pius II and his pontificate, with a wealth of atmospheric landscapes and real and imaginary costumes, sophisticated ceremonies and figures painted in a rich, enamelled palette.


Discover the enchanting Piccolomini Library in Siena, a masterpiece of Renaissance art and a testament to Italy's rich cultural heritage.

For lunch, we chose Osteria Il Carroccio, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Sienese cuisine. We savored *pici* pasta with *ragu* sauce, a local specialty, and indulged in a glass of Chianti Classico. Sophie, surprisingly, enjoyed the *pici*, declaring it her favorite pasta dish so far. It's moments like these, sharing new culinary experiences with my family, that make traveling so rewarding.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Osteria Il Carroccio in Siena - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Our afternoon was dedicated to shopping at Toscana Lovers - Siena. I was on the hunt for some authentic Tuscan souvenirs, while Jean-Pierre was keen on finding a bottle of local wine to bring back to Lyon. Sophie, of course, had her eyes set on some gelato. We spent a pleasant hour browsing through the shops, soaking in the local atmosphere, and eventually found the perfect souvenirs and a delicious pistachio gelato for Sophie.


Explore the heart of Tuscan craftsmanship at Toscana Lovers in Siena, where authenticity meets artistry in a vibrant shopping experience.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Osteria da Divo for dinner. This restaurant, nestled in a historic building, offered a cozy and intimate setting. We enjoyed a delectable meal of *ribollita* (a traditional Tuscan bread and vegetable soup) and *bistecca alla fiorentina* (Florentine steak). The food was exceptional, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxing family dinner. I must admit, though, that I miss Lyon's culinary scene; it's hard to beat a perfectly executed *bouchon* meal. Still, I embrace the opportunity to try new things!


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Osteria da Divo in Siena - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

Today, May 3, there's a Sarabamba x Belle Parole event presenting Archivio Futuro at Circolo Ricreativo Culturale Vie Nuove. Additionally, Siena is preparing to welcome the Jubilee 2025 with a calendar of events. This includes guided tours, exhibitions, and spiritual paths.

As I sit here, writing this blog post from our lovely room at Hotel Palazzetto Rosso, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible day. Siena has welcomed us with its beauty, history, and delicious cuisine. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Palazzo Pubblico and climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views of the city. We also intend to explore Santa Maria della Scala, a former hospital turned museum. I'm excited to see what adventures tomorrow brings, but for now, I'm content to savor the memories of our first day in Siena.


Discover a charming oasis in Siena at Hotel Palazzetto Rosso, where comfort meets convenience for an unforgettable stay in this historic city.

The Jubilee 2025 celebrations seem to be in full swing, with guided tours and exhibitions adding an extra layer of cultural richness to our visit. I'm particularly intrigued by the Golden Rose exhibition at the Civic Museum later this month; it sounds like a fascinating glimpse into the city's history. Perhaps we'll extend our stay to catch it!

Good night from Siena!