0 (0)
Siena
Siena: Self-Guided Audio Tour – Explore at Your Pace!
0
Overview
Siena Self Guided Audio Experience lets people discover the beauty of Siena, Italy, at their own speed. Unlike group tours that keep everyone together, this tour gives people the freedom to explore what they like. The audio tells stories and shares history that even people who live in Siena might not know.
As visitors walk, they will learn about Siena's history through stories. They will see secret places and details that big tour groups often miss. People can make their own routes, stop at cafes, or go back to their favorite spots. This tour makes it easy to see places like Siena Railway Station, Basilica of San Francesco, and Piazza del Campo.
This audio experience includes access to an audio guide with 14 attractions and a map to follow. The links to the guide are good for up to 6 days. Please note, users need to bring their own earphones and internet access. With high ratings, this tour gives a great way to see Siena. People can explore Siena in a special and easy way. 
Highlights
Go at Your Own Pace: Explore Siena without the rush of a group tour.
Hear Secret Stories: Learn hidden facts and history about Siena.
See Key Spots: Visit famous places like Piazza del Campo and Basilica di San Francesco.
Easy to Use: Just use the audio guide on a phone or tablet.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers enjoy the flexibility and information provided by the self-guided audio tour, but some experienced technical difficulties.
Customers love that the tour is easy to use.
They like being able to go at their own speed.
Visitors find the information interesting.
Many people said that it was helpful to learn about Siena
Some people had issues with the audio quality.
A few users had trouble with the download link.
The Journey
Siena Railway Station
Begin your Sienese adventure at its strikingly unique railway station, a rationalist architectural gem completed in 1935. Unlike typical Italian stations, this imposing structure stands as a symbol of Siena's modernization, blending modern design with respect for the city's medieval character. Explore its elegant interior and uncover stories of its construction, the personalities who graced its halls, and its role in Italy's transformation.
Basilica of San Francesco
Discover the Basilica of San Francesco, a magnificent 13th-century church housing hidden treasures. Unveil the basilica's concealed symbolism, including the miracle of the 223 consecrated hosts preserved since 1730. Admire the stunning frescoes depicting St. Francis's life, learn about the Franciscan order's connection to Siena, and appreciate the architectural details often overlooked by typical visitors.
Church of Santa Maria di Provenzano
Visit the Church of Santa Maria di Provenzano, an elegant baroque church embodying Siena's devotion and civic pride. Constructed to house a miracle-working terracotta bust of the Madonna, this 17th-century gem is deeply entwined with the city's renowned Palio tradition. Explore its connection to the July Palio, the symbolic elements of its facade, and the church's role in transforming its neighborhood.
Piazza Salimbeni
Step into Piazza Salimbeni, an elegant medieval square showcasing Siena's economic power and home to the world's oldest bank, Monte dei Paschi. Uncover the story of the Salimbeni family's influence, the bank's revolutionary financial innovations, and the symbolic meaning behind the statues. Appreciate the square's perfect proportions while learning about the dramatic historical events that unfolded here.
Sanctuary of Saint Catherine of Siena
Explore the Sanctuary of Saint Catherine of Siena, a sacred complex marking the birthplace of Siena's most famous saint. Discover the profound significance of each room, including the preserved relics of Catherine displayed in San Domenico. Learn intimate details about Catherine's mystical visions and her extraordinary influence on European politics.
Basilica of San Domenico
Visit the Basilica of San Domenico, a majestic gothic basilica dominating Siena's skyline with its historical significance. Explore how it was built to establish Dominican influence, discover the basilica's connection to St. Catherine of Siena, and marvel at the Chapel of the Vaults with its breathtaking frescoes by Sodoma. Appreciate the basilica's soaring architecture and stained glass windows.
Fonte Branda
See Fonte Branda, a monumental 13th-century fountain revealing Siena's ingenious medieval engineering and vital water management systems. Learn how this three-basin structure revolutionized urban living, discover its connection to St. Catherine, and explore the sophisticated underground aqueduct system that supplies the fountain. Uncover Siena's contentious medieval water politics and how access to this resource shaped the city.
Monte dei Paschi di Siena Headquarters
Stand before the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world's oldest operating bank, founded in 1472 and still influencing global finance. Discover the innovative "Monte di Pietà" concept, the bank's role during Europe's transition, and its surprising connections to the Knights Templar. Appreciate the renaissance palazzo's elegant proportions while learning about the bank's dramatic financial history.
Fonte Gaia
Admire Fonte Gaia—literally “Joyous Fountain”—a magnificent marble fountain and a masterpiece of early Renaissance sculpture, situated in Piazza del Campo. Uncover the fascinating story behind Jacopo della Quercia's original 15th-century masterwork and why what you see today is a meticulous 19th-century reproduction. Discover the sophisticated hydraulic system and the fountain's connections to Siena's political ambitions.
Piazza del Campo
Experience Piazza del Campo, Siena's incomparable heart—the shell-shaped piazza famous for hosting the adrenaline-fueled Palio horse race. Explore the innovative medieval urban planning that created this architectural marvel, discover how the square's nine divisions represent Siena's historic government, and learn about the revolutionary drainage system beneath your feet. Absorb the piazza's perfect acoustics and unique atmosphere.
Via di Città
Stroll along Via di Città, an elegant medieval street that served as Siena's aristocratic showcase and commercial backbone. See how this street connected the city's two centers of power and discover hidden architectural gems like suspended passageways and intricate family crests. Explore the traditional shops that maintain medieval craftsmanship traditions.
Piazza del Mercato
Explore Piazza del Mercato, an atmospheric market square offering breathtaking panoramic views and revealing Siena's commercial heartbeat. Learn how this space functioned as the city's primary food market, discover its connection to Siena's underground river system, and appreciate the spectacular views of the Sienese countryside. Experience the vibrant market traditions that have continued uninterrupted for over seven centuries.
Hortus Deorum
Discover Hortus Deorum, a hidden urban oasis revealing Siena's commitment to sustainable medieval practices and communal welfare. Learn how this historic garden once supplied food for the city's main hospital and served as a therapeutic space for patients. Wander through the peaceful grounds and learn about Siena's pioneering approach to medieval healthcare and mental wellness.
Basilica dell'Osservanza
Visit the Basilica dell'Osservanza, a magnificent hilltop basilica offering both spectacular city views and extraordinary artistic treasures. See how this church represents the Servite Order's influence and explore masterpieces by Coppo di Marcovaldo and Lippo Memmi. Take your time exploring the peaceful interior and learn about the dramatic disputes between rival religious orders that shaped Siena's spiritual landscape.
Know Before You Go
This self-guided audio experience includes private access links to the audio guide for 14 attractions and a tour map. These links are valid for up to 6 days. It does not include audio devices like earphones or internet access. Make sure users bring their own devices to enjoy the tour. There is no pickup or drop-off location since it is a self guided tour.
Hot Tip
Some users found that downloading the audio files before the tour helped avoid any internet connectivity issues during their exploration. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking!
5
120
Bologna
Discover Bologna's Hidden Gems: A Classic Guided Bike Adventure
The Bologna Classic Guide Bike Tour explores Bologna's history on two wheels. Discover monuments, medieval squares, and the oldest university. See the Two Towers, medieval port canals, and Jewish Ghetto. Cycle through arcades to Piazza Maggiore, ending with a peek at canals through Via Piella's window. It is an easy ride on city streets.
From
€ 75
Book Now
5
120
Arezzo
Unveiling Cortona's Charm: A Private Tuscan Walking Tour
Explore Cortona on a private walking tour under the Tuscan sun. Discover medieval landmarks like the Town Hall and Renaissance gems in Piazza Signorelli. Visit the Gothic cathedral and Girifalco Fortress, with Etruscan walls and Porta Bifora. Immerse yourself in the beauty that inspired Frances Mayes' 'Under the Tuscan Sun'.
From
€ 160
Book Now
0
150
Florence
Florence's Art & Architecture: Duomo & Accademia Gallery Unveiled!
Duomo Complex & Accademia Gallery Tour: Explore Florence's cultural heart! Discover the Duomo's Baptistery, Cathedral, and museum, led by a local expert. Skip the line at the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelo's David and Renaissance masterpieces. Climb Brunelleschi's Dome to experience Florence's history.
From
£ 94
Book Now
0
150
Florence
Unveiling Florence: Boboli Garden & City Walking Tour
Explore Florence's Boboli Gardens, a masterpiece of Italian garden design, featuring sculptures and fountains. Later, a guided walking tour reveals iconic sites like Signoria Square and the Ponte Vecchio. This blend of nature and culture offers a comprehensive Florentine experience, suitable for history and art enthusiasts.
From
€ 55
Book Now