Walkers and cyclists visiting Siena, here’s what we can do for you!
Discover the city walking
Thousands of tourists visit Siena every year and among them there is a large number of visitors arriving in the city as a stage of a slow-pace journey: walkers and cyclists are welcome in this warm and welcoming pearl of Tuscany, provided however that they take in consideration some common sense choices, especially the lovers of the two wheels, which will allow for a convenient but at the same time satisfactory visit, starting with the choice of the accommodation, which should ideally be located just a short distance from the city center. It should be mentioned that the fame of Siena is inextricably linked to its Palio, an event traditionally held on July 2 and August 16 each year. These days the city is festively animated by competitions between its districts and the horse race in Piazza del Campo: it goes without saying that, on the one hand, this ancient manifestation is the pinnacle of local centuries-old traditions, but on the other, because of the crowd, it could create some small difficulties to those who would like to admire the rich artistic heritage enclosed in its walls with the luxury of calm.
Siena, a stage of the via Francigena
A sought-after path by every slow-travel enthusiast, the Via Francigena once was the only available route for any pilgrim who wanted to travel to Rome from the north. In Siena, after days of walking, the hikers found protection and hospitality among the city walls. Even the paved streets offered relief to the tired travelers who often, attracted by the splendor of the local churches, stayed a few more days resting and praying in the majestic Duomo. Today, like then, Siena is one of the most popular stages of this path, loved not only by ancient art enthusiasts, but also by cyclists and walkers who, walking through the city center, discover a peerless jewel of Tuscan culture. Once you reach Porta Camollia, the ancient gateway to the city, you will be immersed in an extraordinary atmosphere that gets more intense between the streets ranging from Piazza del Campo to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, but that’s not all: thanks to its hill-top position, the city features plenty of impressive panoramic spots such as the view from the Basilica of San Domenico.
Dynamic holidays: by bike or on foot
Siena is a perfect destination for a holiday on the move, whether you choose it as a stage of passage or have the opportunity to spend more time: in addition to the many historical monuments, it is well suited for walking and cycling, thanks to its small size and the traffic ban in the city center. At the Hotel Italia, we reserve extra care to the needs of the most active tourists: a comfortable rest and a healthy and energetic breakfast are a good start to a day of discoveries. You can park your bikes in the reserved racks, and we can also provide you with a small repair kit. The strategic position, just a few steps from Porta Camollia and the certainty of being able to appreciate one of the most beautiful cities in Italy will make your holiday not only active but also unforgettable!