A medieval gem in the Tuscan region of Italy, Siena is an historic town that was once a thriving city state during the Middle Ages. In its prime, Siena rivalled neighbouring Florence, though for the past few centuries it has maintained a more modest profile. Today, the old quarter is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding collection of historic architecture.

During the Renaissance period, Siena was at the heart of the artistic movement, with a great deal of important work produced here. Today, these paintings can be seen in collections across town in institutions such as the Museum of Metropolitan Work, the National Picture Gallery and the Santa Maria della Scala (a former hospital converted into a museum).

Siena's architectural showpiece is the Duomo, part Romanesque and part Gothic due to the intermittent stages of development that produced it. Also of interest is the Town Hall (Palazzo Pubblico) at Piazza del Campo. This storied building boasts several fanciful frescoes and a tower that intentionally matches (without superseding) the height of the Duomo.

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Siena is during its twice-yearly horse race, the Palio. This event is held at the Piazza del Campo, which is covered in earth and transformed into a racing arena in July and August. Ten competitors race bareback in this quick, but exciting event. A great deal of fanfare accompanies the Palio, drawing huge crowds of locals during the summer.

Accommodation is widely available throughout Siena. Cosy inns and upscale hotels with full amenities are both to be found in the city centre. It is worth mentioning that Siena is a relatively small town, and hotels are likely to book up during peak periods of tourism (particularly during the Palio festival). With this in mind, advance online booking is recommended.

There are several convenient transportation links that access Siena. The city's small airport handles mostly regional traffic, with the bulk of tourists arriving at the nearby international airport in Florence. Many tourists prefer to arrive by train given the comfort and scenic panoramas available along the way. A hire car is another viable option, made more convenient by Siena's abundance of parking facilities.

Siena's mild Mediterranean climate features hot summers and cold, rainy winters. Average daytime temperatures during the summer float between 25 and 30°C, while wintertime temperatures typically fluctuate between 10 and 15°C. Given the proximity to the Mediterranean, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even after the sun sets.

The atmosphere is relatively humid year round and rainfall is always a possibility. Generally, the coolest months are also the rainiest, with even amounts of precipitation between the months of October and December. Showers are also more common during the month of April. Dodging the rain while enjoying mild temperatures is the aim of most tourists, making May, September and October the most popular months to visit.