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If you asked me what my favourite place in Italy is, I would probably give you a massive list of places. If you asked me what my favourite place in Tuscany is, that list wouldn’t be much shorter. One town that would definitely be on that list is Siena – a place that I don’t think I could ever get sick of. It’s beautifully preserved old town has kept it’s medieval feel, and I could really just spend days and days wandering around it’s narrow cobblestone streets.
For the best views in Siena you have to head to the Panorama del Facciatone – a panoramic terrace that gives complete 360 degree views out across the town.
Panorama del Facciatone
The Facciatone is actually the facade of an incomplete cathedral extension that was commissioned in the 14th century. The Siena Cathedral was meant to be extended to become the largest in Europe, but was abandoned in the late 14th century, which therefore left the facade that is there today.
The panoramic terrace can be reached from the Museo dell’Opera by climbing up a very narrow spiral stair case. From the top you are treated to the best views in Siena. Here’s what you can expect to see:
Piazza del Campo
Siena Cathedral
Have you been to Siena or anywhere else in Tuscany? What was your favourite place?
Travel Tip: Siena is a popular tourist destination. It’s a good idea to book your hotel in Siena in advance to make sure that you have a place to stay and to get the best deal.
I have been to Tuscany but never Siena, it looks beautiful. Maybe next time!
Ayngelina recently posted..Food Friday: A Chef’s Cozumel
Hi Ayngelina, Siena is a beautiful place and definitely worth visiting if you’re ever in Tuscany.
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Golden Triangle, Thailand
I loved Siena! It’s the only place I saw in Tuscany though. Great photos!
Christy recently posted..OT Surf Apparel Update!
Thank’s Christy. If you could only visit one place in Tuscany, I think you made a great choice! I definitely recommend that you get back and see more though 🙂 Cheers
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Laos: Pha That Luang, Vientiane
The photos definitely depict an “old world” feel and it looks like you had amazing weather.
Pamela recently posted..2012 Week #13
Hi Pamela. The old town of Siena is beautifully preserved, allowing it to keep that old medieval feel. And yes we were very lucky with the weather the entire time that we were in Tuscany.
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Laos: Pha That Luang, Vientiane
Love the last photo!
Hey Stephanie, that’s one of my favourites too.
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Laos: Pha That Luang, Vientiane
My favorite place in Tuscany is Montepulciano!
cheryl recently posted..Travel Bloggers Go Wild … Riding Donkeys in Umbria, Italy.
Hi Cheryl. I never made it to Montepulciano but I have heard so many good things about it. I will definitely make sure to visit on my next trip to Tuscany!
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Thailand: Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Saen
[…] of the best things to do in Siena is to climb to the top of the Panorama del Facciatone, an old facade of an unfinished extension of the beautiful cathedral nearby. A very tight spiral […]
[…] Tickets: Tourists and visitors wishing to explore the cathedral’s interior must purchase a ticket. These can be purchased at the cathedral entrance or online through the official website, where available. Tickets are currently €8 in high season. We purchased a combination ticket called the Opa Si Pass which gave us access to the Cathedral and all surrounding sites including the crypt and panoramic terrace (for the best views of Siena). […]