Siena Cathedral (Il Duomo), Siena, Tuscany

Advantages: jFantastic Ambiance, Medieval City with Modern Feeling. Food and wine are excellent.
Disadvantages: None at all.

...attached to the Greek or Byzantine traditions and the attractions of Gothic painting. The Duomo (Cathedral), built over two centuries, has an unforgettable facade of "wedding cake", Gothic. Situated on a hill, the striking, alternative bands of white and black marble used in its construction, can be seen for many miles. The Torre del Mangia is overwhelming when viewed from the Piazza. I climbed its 400 steps (I counted every one) to the seven tonne bronze bell hoisted 600 years ago, to be struck in the face by the view of Tuscany and of Siena from a height of more than 350 feet. In the absence of industry, the air is pure although pervaded by the inviting aroma of Tuscan cuisine issuing from the buildings on either side of the narrow, winding streets. The hills around the city are all topped with Cypress trees which are surrounded... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful Glorious architecture, good food, Culture
Disadvantages: Difficult to find any

...The Tuscan city of Siena is one of those stunningly beautiful places that once you have visited you want to return and return again. This historic city, in the heart of Tuscany and surrounded by some delightful countryside, is a mere 1/2 hours train journey from Florence, and simply should not to be missed by any traveller to this very fascinating region of Italy. It has been described,accurately in my view, as a " ..Perfect medieval Tuscan city that is one of the most surprising places in the world.." Certainly it is an exquisite even extraordinary city of great beauty which manages to cope so well with the influx of tourists. Siena plays "second-fiddle" to no city and small though it may be, it is a proud place with a great deal of interest for the visitor. Self-obsessed it is but this beautifully-preserved town has few equals... Read review

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Advantages: Stunning
Disadvantages: Missed the Palio - steep climb to old town

.... The interior is no less so, although the marble inside is a more sedate black and white. One of the most impressive features is the ceiling where 172 popes watch over you. Siena's Duomo is considered one of the most beautiful in the country so it's no surprise that there are lengthy queues waiting to gain admission. However, waiting in line was no great hardship when the surroundings were so stunning. After that it was lunch-time so, against all advice, we headed back to Il Campo. Supposedly the restaurants there are tourist-traps and vastly overpriced. We didn't find that to be the case at all. Certainly, they're not exactly cheap, but prices compared favourably with eating out in the UK (not that that would be difficult). Siena is in the heart of Chianti country, but as liver and fava beans wasn't on the menu, and Belgian beer was, I had a nice... Read review

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