5 treasures to hunt down in Siena

More than just the main square of Siena, it is a true symbol of the city. When observed closely, you will notice that its unusual shell shape is divided into 9 sectors reminiscent of the "Governo dei Nove" (“Government of the Nine”), the institution that ruled Siena in the 14ᵗʰ century. Walking here means stepping into the history and geometry of the city, as a protagonist of an extraordinary medieval urban design.

The Torre del Mangia, Italy’s third tallest tower, dominates Piazza del Campo, rising up 335 feet or 102 meters. It was named after the first bell ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” (literally, “earnings-eater”) due to his predilection for spending all his money in taverns. Climbing the tower is not just about enjoying breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills, but also to discover a human and light history behind Siena’s most imposing symbol.

Inside Siena Cathedral lies a great little enigma: the Magic Square (or Sator Square), bearing a palindrome in Latin (SATOR AREPO TENET OPERA ROTAS) that can be read in all directions. The meaning of the Sator Square is deliberately ambiguous. It can be read as ‟The Sower carefully guides the work,” but also as a deeper symbol of world order, in which human and divine actions are reflected and intertwined. This enigma was designed to offer multiple levels of interpretation, from the concrete to the symbolic. An emblem of mystery and medieval ingenuity, this detail is easy to miss if you do not look closely at the floor. A real point of interest for those who like to discover the secret side of the city.

Walking down Vicolo degli Orbachi, you can spot quite an unusual sculpture of a naked lady gazing out of a window. This is not some ancient medieval mystery, but a 1995 contemporary work by artist Pier Luigi Olla commissioned by the Contrada del Bruco. The statue’s unusual position and enigmatic expression make it one of the most curious details photographed by discerning visitors.

Along an atmospheric alley, Via del Refe Nero at the corner of Via dei Rossi, an eerie oddity stands out: a wrought-iron cage with a severed head in headgear, skewered on one of the irons. Tradition has it that it recalls the medieval practice of displaying the heads of those condemned to death as a public warning. It is not a real skull but an ornament that Antiquarian Giuseppe Mazzoni ordered in the early-20ᵗʰ century. The head depicts Mazzoni himself, looking menacingly and—it is said—facing the nearby Monte dei Paschi bank, which had taken much of his wealth.

Truly exploring Siena means not just stopping at the main attractions but being surprised by the hidden details that tell both ancient and modern stories. Each alley, square or building can unveil a little mystery, rendering your visit an adventure of discovery and wonder.