Siena Italy: things to do with kids in a day
A visit to Siena is a must when you are in the Tuscan region of Italy. I set foot in this beautiful Italian city for the first time in March and was wowed by the medieval architecture, its incredible yet unfinished Cathedral and the symbology on every street corner which speaks of the fierce neighbourhood rivalry that has echoed down the centuries. It would be the ideal place to return for an indulgent couples city break or with the Tin Box girls. Here’s some of the things I spotted to do in Siena with kids during my solo visit.
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Things to do in Siena with kids: Wander Piazza del Campo
If your kids are old enough for the James Bond films they may recognise Siena’s central piazza Il Campo from a scene in Quantum of Solace which features the famous horse race, Il Palio. This happens in the square in July and August and is fiercely contested by Siena’s 17 neighbourhoods.
Only 10 horses and jockeys can race each time because of the size of the piazza – they are decided by a lottery. However, 20,000 spectators cram into the area and there are a further 15,000 straining for a view from the buildings and streets around.
Aside from the race, the piazza is a good place to let kids burn off some energy as you admire the Palazzo Pubblico, which was built in the 13th Century to house the Siena government, and its 102 meter Torre del Mangia tower.
You can also find the Fonte Gaia – or Fountain of the World – in the piazza. This was the end point of a system of conduits built in the 14th Century to bring water into the city.
A must see Siena sight: visit Duomo di Siena
One of Siena’s pride and joys down the centuries is its Duomo. Its architects’ aim was to make it the biggest in Europe giving Siena power over its rival, Florence.
However, the Black Death struck and the Cathedral could not be completed as planned. One wing of the great church stands roofless to this day.
After the plague the Sienese decided to refocus their efforts on the marbled floor of the Duomo, making it an unparalleled masterpiece. And, of course, as art is in the eye of the beholder who is to say it is not the best Duomo floor in Italy?
It is pretty stunning though. As is the Piccolomini Library which is a room off to a side with incredible frescos depicting the life of Pope Pius II. Imagining how the artists managed to create these colourful and detailed works will entertain even the youngest of visitors.
Tickets for the Duomo cost between € 8 and € 15 per adult dependant on the time of year and € 2 for children aged seven to 11-years-old. Entry is free for children aged under six.
Siena for kids: always look up
It’s not just the ceilings of the Duomo for which it’s worth craning your neck. As you wander the medieval streets of Siena there’s plenty of reasons look to the skies.
On the same piazza as the oldest bank in the world, Monte dei Paschi, you’ll spot Siena’s Men of the Renaissance.
When in Italy with kids: search for signs
Look closely and Siena is a treasure trove of signs denoting the city’s 17 historic neighbourhoods. Each family belonged to a neighbourhood based on their profession or status.
Today many families still live by the code of their neighbourhood, especially in the weeks leading up to the Il Palio horse race. In this time they do not mix with their rivals, even if it means moving out of their marital home.
Your kids will enjoy spotting signs of these neighbourhoods – caterpillars, geese, wolves, porcupines and dragons included – on every street corner, door and wall in Siena.
Meet St Catherine…well, her head and thumb
Siena has its own Saint: St Catherine. She was born a year before the Black Death and decided from a young age to live the life of a nun. The Basilica San Domenico became her home at the age of 14 and it was here that she regularly had conversations with God.
People pilgrimaged to see her, bringing wealth to Siena and the Dominican church. She also had the ear of the Pope who had left Rome to return to his native France but returned under instruction from Catherine. Her political influence was huge.
When she died parts of her body were sent all over Italy, but her mummified head and thumb can be seen in the Basilica today. Aside from the ornate reliquary and alters the interior of the building itself is quite simple with wooden beams, white-washed Siena marble walls, and modern stained glass windows.
However, before the Black Death there would have been colourful frescos. These were painted over to purify the building after the plague.
Today some have been uncovered. Hanging from the walls are the flags of the different neighbourhoods of Siena – more reminders of the Il Palio race as the horse and rider of the Dragons are brough to the Basilica for a blessing ahead of the competition.
Photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
Handy information for visiting Siena with kids
- We booked and paid for a tour with Arianna and Friends. They arranged a meeting point outside the city centre, close to the sports stadium where there was plenty of parking. There were also bus stops. Our lovely guide adapted our private tour to our interests and needs.
- Expect to pay to pee in city centre toilets. 50 cents was the going rate at the public toilets next to Basilica San Domenico. If you prefer, simply order a drink in a cafe and you will be able to use their facilities.
- Siena does have some hills but the streets are suitable for pushchairs. If you go slow for little legs the distances between Basilica San Domenico and the Duomo would be doable with young children. The city centre is pedestrianised.
- If your kids tire of sightseeing the Piazza del Campo is the ideal place to let them run around in the open. Here you’ll also find souvenir stands, restaurants and gelato parlours. However, do expect to pay higher prices here than in some of the city’s quieter side streets.
If you’re curious about visiting neighbouring Florence with kids then take a look at my visit with two young children or my most recent Florence sightseeing and foodie tours.
More things to do in Italy with kids
I love Italy and have also written about:
A mobile home holiday on Lake Garda
Family apartments on Lake Maggiore
Things to do in Sicily with kids
A mobile home holiday in Tuscany
Have you visited Siena, Italy? What else would you recommend seeing in Siena with kids?
Visiting Siena with kids? Why not save this post for later.
Siena is such a beautiful city with lots of character. I particularly like Duomo di Siena; there is so much detail in its architecture. When the kids are tired, sit down for an espresso in a family owned cafe.
Leo Tat recently posted…Why Is Coconut Oil Good for You? 103 Health Benefits & Uses
Italy makes a perfect place for a family vacation.
What a fantastic post! You’ve really got everything covered! (It’s always important to know what the peeing situation is) I would love to take my kiddos to Siena!
There are some great ideas here. I would definitely take my kids to explore the Duomo, it looks like there is a lot to keep their attention there
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…Online Photo Storage: The Modern Family Album
It’s an incredible building. I’m so glad I went in. It’s striking from the outside but inside is something else. I now want to go back to Florence and see the inside of their Duomo so I can compare 🙂
What a fab post Claire! Siena is so so beautiful, I loved wandering around taking in the atmosphere and the history. Duomo looks incredible!
Katy recently posted…6 Hotels with a sea view in St Ives Cornwall
It looks like such a beautiful place to visit – the architecture is incredible! My girls would love looking for all the symbols on the buildings.
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker recently posted…Little Loves: April 2018
Oh I adored Siena is the most beautiful place the Duomo blew my mind the detail was incredible and I so wish I had bought a gelato now! x
What a great post – I would love to visit Siena again!
Of all the places in Tuscany I think this is the one that would most capture my kids imaginations!
When we took Monkey he adored Siena, and we actually found a few playgrounds too away from the main square. What a lovely post – brings back great memories 🙂
Florence AND Siena – wow, this region really does have some treats. I love the descriptions of all the animal statues. My two would love those.
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Family fun at Leeds Castle Knights Glamping
It is such a stunningly beautiful building! Now regretting not coming inside the Duomo (although our ice cream in the square was very nice!)
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) recently posted…WIN tickets to some of the BEST family festivals taking place this summer!
What a fascinating place to explore! I love how each neighbourhood has a symbol to look out for – turns exploring into a fun treasure hunt. I suppose the treasure is gelato?
TraveLynn Family – Jenny recently posted…AFRICA OVERLAND Part 2: Malawi itinerary with kids
Siena looks every inch as beautiful as I imagine it to be. It’s on my Italy to see list! Love the story about all the different neighbourhoods and the families that live there.
It was such a fun tour of Siena – and the Duomo there was incredible, the most amazing detail. I did love hearing about the symbols and the history though, so unusual.
Great selection of ideas! It really was a beautiful town, I loved it. X