Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές και πεζοπορίες στη Σιένα

historic place and home to typical Sienese-style restaurants

Porta Romana is one of the ancient gates in the walls of Siena, located on the route of the ancient Via Cassia. It was built in 1327 - 1328 by Agnolo di Ventura and Agostino di Giovanni, equipped with battlements and a defensive wall. In 1417, Taddeo di Bartolo was commissioned to paint the fresco that was to adorn it with a depiction of the Virgin, like the other city gates, to implore divine protection for the city. In 1978, the frescoes, due to advanced deterioration, were detached and transferred to the Basilica of San Francesco. However, there is a Roman inscription at the Porta Romana!The inscription was written on a travertine tablet and, based on its graphic characters and content, can be dated to the Augustan period (27 BC – 0) saying "Silvanus sacr(um) / C. Victricius / Memor VIvir / [a] ugustalis posuit" = Caio Victricio Memore Seviro augustale dedicated a small temple to Silvanus.

In Siena, as we know, your eye always falls there, on the shell-shaped Campo or the striped marble of the Duomo. And rightly so. But then there are those places that speak to you in a different voice, more raspy and sincere. Porta Romana is one of them. Let's be clear: this isn't a small archway placed there for show. This is a beast of brick and stone, a fortress planted to the south to tell those arriving from Rome: "Be careful, you're entering Siena." It's massive, imposing, it makes you feel small and immediately reminds you that this city was once a serious thing, a power that had to be defended. It has none of the frills of other monuments; it gets straight to the point, and for me, its charm begins right there.

Located just south of Gaiole, Meleto Castle is one of the most fascinating castles in Chianti. Documented since the 11th century as a property of the Abbey of Coltibuono, it later passed under the control of the Ricasoli family, who made it one of the main fortresses defending the area. The imposing structure still retains its medieval appearance with its massive square tower, crenellated walls, and two elegant cylindrical bastions added in the 15th century. Inside, there is an elegant courtyard, frescoed rooms, a chapel, and even a small 18th-century theater. Today, the castle is open to visitors and hosts events, tastings, and wine-related activities, offering splendid views of the Chianti countryside.

This imposing medieval castle now houses a luxury residence and is home to a winery specializing in the production of Chianti Classico wine.

small square with trees and shade from the sun

Classic Tuscan village

The Piazza and the Palazzo Salimbeni date back to the 14th century, but the Palazzo was restored in the 19th century to give it its current neo-Gothic style. Today it houses the Italian bank and a rich art collection.