Torre del mangia

Siena’s most characteristic spot is Piazza del Campo. This square by the unusual shape that was once the site of the Roman Forum, today is surrounded by medieval buildings, open-air cafés, bars and restaurants. Famous the world over for the equestrian manifestation taking place every year known as the Palio, Piazza del Campo is overlooked by Palazzo Pubblico dating back to the early 1300 and by the Torre del Mangia, the tower next to it, which was built between 1338 and 1348. Its 400 steps lead to the top from where to enjoy amazing views over the city. Other buildings worthy of note are the Archbishop Palace and the complex of Santa Maria alla Scala, which covers an area of about 350.000 square meters and used to be the city hospital, one of the first built in Italy. Today many parts of the complex have been reclaimed and are used as exhibition halls for both local and international artists.
Finally a visit to the Botanical Gardens could be interesting for the large variety of plants and for the longevity of the garden itself that has its origins as far back as 1588 when it started as a medicinal garden next to the hospital.