My trip to the Medieval City of Siena in Tuscany, Italy, was inspired by the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace.
Having backpacked Monaco on a Budget, I took the train to Genoa, then a Flixbus to Siena.
My visit to Siena was inspired by the James Bond 007 movie, Quantum of Solace, starring Daniel Craig. Ever since I saw the movie, I promised myself that one day I would visit Siena. I also visited the Centro Ceremonial Otomi in Mexico, which featured in the 1989 Bond movie, “Licence to Kill”, starring Timothy Dalton
After a car chase around Lake Garda, Bond arrives in Siena, entering the city through the Arco di San Giuseppe by the Chiesa di San Giuseppe and then to the MI6 safe house through the tunnel on Piazzetta Della Paglietta.
The tunnel from Quantum of Solace:
A lot of the scenes were filmed in Pinewood Studios, but the dramatic rooftop chases were filmed on location in Siena.
The Piazza del Campo is where 007 emerges from the drain hole before running off into the town hall.
You haven’t seen the movie?
Siena also plays host to the annual cycle race, Strade Bianche, won this year for a 3rd time by Tadej POGACAR.
Siena is cute. It lies at 322 m (1,056 ft) above sea level. I love the narrow streets and the view of the rooftops from my albergo were just to die for.
Is it worth going to Siena? Yes. It was a good place to recharge my batteries for a bit, whilst in a magnificent location.
Siena in April attracts lots of day-tripping tourists. Florence is just an hour away.
The early mornings up on the roof were relaxing. I could just concentrate on enjoying the moment, even if slightly chilly:
My entry to Siena was slightly less dramatic than 007’s.
I arrived on a FlixBus from Genoa, took the escalator up the hill and entered the city through the Porta Camollia, the oldest gate in Siena:
Top 10 Sights in Siena
1. Piazza e Palazzo Salimbeni
The Palazzo Salimbeni is a Gothic-style palace on the piazza of the same name and dates from the 14th century. The Salimbeni were the richest family in Siena and the building still houses the offices of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world.
The statue in the foreground is of Sallustio Antonio Bandini, who was born in Siena in the 17th century and was a priest, politician and renowned economist:
2. Basilica of San Francesco
Originally built between 1326 and 1475, the Basilica of San Francesco was one of the most important churches in Siena. What you see today is from the 19th century, designed by Giuseppe Partini, with a stained glass window by Leopoldo Maccari:
3. Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano
The Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano is the second most important place of worship in the city, after the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, Siena’s cathedral.
4. Chiesa di San Cristoforo
Located in Piazza Tolomei, the Church of San Cristoforo dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Over the years, it has undergone several modifications, including a complete rebuild following an earthquake in 1798.
5. Piazza del Campo
The Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twice a year, the piazza is the venue of the Palio di Siena.
Il Campo is the focal point of the city of Siena.
6. Palazzo Pubblico
The Palazzo Pubblico, with the Torre del Mangia: The symbol of the City of Siena:
7. Torre del Mangia
The Torre del Mangia was built between 1338 and 1348. Standing at 87 metres high, it is the 3rd tallest tower in Italy:
8. Duomo di Siena
The Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, the Cathedral of Siena, is one of the most important Romanesque-Gothic churches in Italy. Construction started as long ago as the 12th century. Words can simply not describe the beauty of the Duomo di Siena!
9. Fontebranda Fountain
Fontebranda is Siena’s most famous medieval fountain.
It originally had three basins. Fed by the ancient Sienese underground aqueduct system, which extends more than 25 kilometres, the first basin was regarded as the purest and used for drinking water. The second, fed by the overflow of the first basin, was where the animals would drink. The third basin was used for washing clothes, and the leftover water was used by tanners, in dying workshops and by millers to power the mills.
10.Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico
The Basilica di San Domenico, also referred to as the Basilica of St. Catherine, was built between 1226 and 1265, with numerous changes in the 17th and 18th centuries and serves as an imposing landmark in the city.
Top Photo Opportunities in Siena
When the light is good, Siena has some cracking photo opportunities:
View from the Fortezza Medicea:
View of the Duomo di Siena from near the Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico:
The old narrow streets in the medieval city of Siena are definitely worth exploring.
