Family-Friendly Adventures in Siena SI!

Pubblico Palace (Palazzo Pubblico)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful family day at the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, Italy! This historic site promises a blend of art, history, and intriguing architecture that will captivate both kids and adults alike. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena and the setting for this stunning medieval town hall. The palazzo is easily accessible by foot from anywhere in central Siena, which is pedestrian-friendly and perfect for wandering. If you’re driving, park outside the city center and take a bus or walk in.

Explore Palazzo Pubblico

Enter the Palazzo Pubblico around 10 AM to avoid the crowds. This gothic-style town hall, built in the 13th century, serves both as the city"s historical center of governance and a museum. Buy your tickets at the entrance. Children will be fascinated by the grandeur of the Sala del Mappamondo and Sala della Pace featuring large frescoes like Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Effects of Good and Bad Government,” which vividly depicts medieval city life — great for sparking kids" imaginations about history!

Fun Fact: Ask your guide about the symbolism in the frescoes and the story of the "she-wolf" of Siena, which children will find intriguing!

Lunch Break

Around noon, step out to the Piazza del Campo and enjoy a picnic with a view of the Palazzo or choose a nearby trattoria to taste some local Tuscan cuisine.

Torre del Mangia Climb

Post-lunch, get ready for an adventurous climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia, attached to the Palazzo. The tower offers breathtaking views of Siena and its surroundings. The climb is manageable for kids over 6 and is a thrilling challenge they’ll love.

Wrap up the Day

Conclude your visit by 3 PM, leaving time to explore other parts of Siena or relax in the piazza, watching the world go by with some gelato.

Enjoy your family day at Palazzo Pubblico, where history and stunning views provide an unforgettable experience!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Palio of Siena (Palio di Siena)

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Siena, Italy, with your family to witness the historic Palio di Siena, a thrilling horse race that dates back to the Middle Ages. This spectacle occurs twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, offering a vibrant display of medieval pageantry and community spirit.

### Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Fly into Florence Airport and take a 90-minute bus or train ride to Siena. Check into a centrally located hotel, such as Hotel Athena, for stunning views and easy access to the city"s attractions. Spend your first day exploring the picturesque streets of Siena, visiting the Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city where the Palio takes place. This fan-shaped square is an architectural marvel and a perfect spot for family photos. Don"t miss the Torre del Mangia, climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.

### Day 2: Palio di Siena

Secure a spot in Piazza del Campo early in the day; the race starts at around 7 PM, but the festive atmosphere builds up throughout the day. Engage with locals and learn about the 17 city districts (contrade) that compete in the Palio. Each contrada has its own unique emblem and colors, making it fun for kids to pick their favorite. Enjoy the historical parade featuring over 600 participants in medieval costumes before the race begins.

### Day 3: Educational Insights

Visit the Contrada Museum to understand more about the history and significance of the contrade. Each museum showcases relics and trophies of their respective contrada. Later, take a leisurely stroll to the Siena Cathedral to admire its stunning façade and intricate interiors.

### Departure

Head back to Florence for your return flight, filled with memories of the thrilling races, medieval history, and the rich culture of Siena, making this a family vacation to remember.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Siena Cathedral (Duomo)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Visiting Siena Cathedral

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Siena Cathedral

Start your day at Siena Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece of Italian Gothic. Arrive early to avoid crowds; the cathedral opens at 10:30 AM. You can easily reach it by walking from the city center, as Siena’s charming streets are mostly pedestrian. Park outside the city walls if you"re driving; “Il Campo” parking is a good option.

Upon entering, marvel at the intricate façade with its white and greenish-black marble, a pattern mimicking Siena"s symbolic colors. Inside, point out the whimsical floor mosaics to the kids — scenes from biblical stories that are both educational and engaging. Don"t miss the Piccolomini Library, brightly adorned with frescoes and perfect for sparking little ones" imaginations.

Midday: Picnic at Orto de" Pecci

A 10-minute walk from the cathedral, visit Orto de" Pecci, a tranquil garden with a small farm, perfect for a family picnic. This hidden gem offers a peaceful spot to relax and a chance for kids to play and interact with some farm animals.

Afternoon: Baptistry and Museum Exploration

Head back to the cathedral complex around 2 PM to visit the Baptistry of San Giovanni. Show your children the vividly colored frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament, an excellent introduction to Renaissance art.

Next, explore the Cathedral Museum. Climb up to the "Facciatone" — the large unfinished façade of a planned expansion of the cathedral. It offers a panoramic view of Siena, sure to be a hit with the entire family. The museum also houses the original statues from the cathedral’s façade, giving you a closer look at the details without straining your neck.

Finish your day with some gelato from one of the nearby local shops, a sweet treat to celebrate the day’s discoveries.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Baptistery of San Giovanni (Battistero di San Giovanni)

Why Visit?

Welcome to an enchanting day at the Baptistery of San Giovanni, a treasure trove of art and history located in the heart of Florence, Italy.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early (around 9 AM) to beat the crowds. The Baptistery is centrally located in Piazza del Duomo, easily accessible by bus or a scenic walk from most parts of Florence. As you approach, the magnificent exterior with its elaborate doors will catch your eye. Known as the "Gates of Paradise," these bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti depict scenes from the Old Testament and are a captivating introduction to the historical significance of the place.

Mid-Morning: Inside the Baptistery

Step inside the Baptistery around 10 AM to avoid the midday rush. The interior is famous for its stunning mosaics, which cover the dome. These glittering images of the Last Judgment and other biblical scenes are a great way to introduce children to stories from the Bible in a visual form. Don’t miss the tomb of Antipope John XXIII by Donatello, which is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.

Lunch Break: Picnic at Piazza della Signoria

After exploring the Baptistery, take a 10-minute walk to Piazza della Signoria for a relaxing picnic lunch. This lively square is surrounded by statues and fountains that will keep the kids fascinated.

Afternoon: Interactive Workshop

Post-lunch, join a family-friendly workshop at the nearby Museo dell"Opera del Duomo (a 5-minute walk). These workshops, often held in the afternoon, allow children to engage hands-on with Renaissance art techniques, such as fresco painting or sculpture.

Late Afternoon: Gelato and Stroll

Wrap up your day with a delicious gelato from one of Florence’s famed gelaterias. As you enjoy your treat, take a leisurely stroll back towards the Duomo, soaking in the views of Florence’s charming streets and historic architecture.

With a blend of artistic marvels and interactive experiences, your family’s day at the Baptistery of San Giovanni will be both educational and unforgettable!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Piazza del Campo

Why Visit?

Welcome to Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena, Italy, known for its stunning medieval architecture and the famous Palio horse race. Here"s a family-friendly itinerary to make the most of your visit:

Morning: Explore Piazza del Campo

Start your day early by strolling into Piazza del Jampo. The shell-shaped square offers ample space for kids to roam. Take a family picture with the Fonte Gaia, a beautifully sculpted fountain, as your backdrop. Interesting fact: The square"s design was intended for civic unity, being divided into nine sections representing the Council of Nine who ruled Siena in its medieval heyday.

Visit the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia

Next, head to the Palazzo Pubblico, the striking Gothic town hall that borders the square. Inside, you can explore frescoes that depict historic and allegorical scenes of Siena’s past. Entrance fees apply, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Climb the adjacent Torre del Mangia, which offers panoramic views of Siena and its surroundings. Remember, there are over 400 steps, so it might be best suited for older children.

Lunch Break

For lunch, enjoy some local Tuscan cuisine at one of the family-friendly restaurants around the square. Try dishes like pici pasta or ribollita soup.

Afternoon: Museum of Civic Life

Post-lunch, visit the Civic Museum within the Palazzo Pubblico. Here, children can learn about the history of Siena through engaging exhibits. Don"t miss the frescoes of good and bad government, which vividly illustrate medieval political concepts in a way that can spark interesting discussions with the kids.

Relax and Gelato Time

Wrap up your visit by relaxing in one of the square"s cafes, indulging in a gelato, and soaking up the lively atmosphere of this historic square.

Enjoy your family day in Piazza del Campo, where history and culture come alive in an engaging and accessible way!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.