Siena's Palaces Walking Tour (Self Guided), Siena

A leisurely stroll through downtown Siena – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of imperious castles, palaces and other historic buildings – promises an exciting day of discovery and a pleasant experience for architecture buffs.

While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico (literally the “Public Palace”) – symbol of rational government, and a tall municipal tower (open for climbers). If it's true that a society builds its tallest towers to its greatest gods, then it seems like the people of Siena worship secular effectiveness more than they trust in God. Other than being the seat of the municipal administration, this 13th-century building also plays host to an art museum.

A 14th-century urban fortress, remodeled in the 19th century with the triple mullioned windows inspired by Palazzo Pubblico, Palazzo Salimbeni is a neo-Gothic-style edifice flanking a piazza of the same name. The palace currently serves as the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the most ancient bank in the world, founded twenty years before Christopher Columbus discovered America.

Palazzo Tolomei (Tolomei Palace) – one of the oldest and most beautiful private residences in Siena; carefully restored in 1971.

Palazzo Piccolomini (Piccolomini Palace) – a Renaissance-style palace built between 1460 and 1495; today houses the State Archive.

Palazzo Chigi Saracini (Chigi Saracini Palace) – one of the most noble palaces in the city; home to a valuable private art collection and the prestigious Accademia Musicale Chigiana.

If you're keen to acquaint yourself with the palatial side of Siena more closely, take this self-guided walking tour.