Siena is an enchanting medieval city, an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts who are captivated by historical buildings and picturesque squares. It boasts a perfect blend of historical importance, architectural splendor, and stunning natural landscapes that are difficult to find in other locations. As you stroll through its streets, you will feel as though you have stepped back into the Middle Ages, experiencing a truly authentic Italian lifestyle.
Siena features some of the most photographed attractions globally, and you won’t need a map to discover them. Besides the renowned Piazza del Campo and the famous cathedral, you will uncover numerous lesser-known churches, museums, and picturesque sunset locations that are off the typical tourist path. Let’s dive into the best photography spots in Siena!
Best Panorama Views in Siena
A stunning sight in its own right, the walls of Siena’s Medici fortress are also a fantastic spot for panoramic photography. From this elevated vantage point, you can capture sweeping views of not only the San Domenico Church, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, but also the Cathedral of Siena with its distinctive white and black marble façade, along with a large expanse of the city’s historical landscape. For an intimate viewpoint of the same panorama, head to the back of the San Domenico Church, which honors Saint Catherine.
Even without a specialized wide-angle lens, you will be able to frame the cathedral, its incomplete extension, and the Torre del Mangia in a single shot. For a more personal view of this panorama, walk to the rear side of the San Domenico Church. Here, even without wide-angle capabilities, photographers can creatively capture the Cathedral alongside the iconic Torre del Mangia. This trio, set against Siena’s timeless charm, creates a captivating photographic composition.
Cathedral, Facciatone, and the Best Museum Views in Siena
Alongside Piazza del Campo, Siena’s cathedral shines brightest in the late afternoon, when the setting sun bathes the main entrance of the west-facing church in a golden glow. To grasp the enormous scale of the entire complex, climb the Facciatone, the façade of the unfinished expansion of the cathedral. Entry to this location is currently available with a cumulative ticket that also grants access to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Porta del Cielo, the exquisite Piccolomini Library, the Crypt, the Baptistery, and the Museo dell’Opera.
From the Facciatone, you’ll be able to view part of the Piazza del Campo alongside the rolling landscapes of Tuscany. Even on a foggy winter morning, the ascent is delightful. The Gate to Heaven tour (available by reservation only) is an excellent opportunity for close-up shots of the cathedral’s façade as well as more breathtaking views from above. Be sure to climb the Torre del Mangia (if you are fit and don’t suffer from claustrophobia) for that iconic bird’s eye perspective of Piazza del Campo. Early morning visits will reveal why it is one of Siena’s prime photography spots.
For additional church facades, head to the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Provenzano. This church, dedicated to the July Palio, features a striking white marble façade and a blue-gray dome—definitely a sight to behold (though its interiors are less impressive). Please note that photography is generally prohibited in most of Siena’s museums. However, there are now allowances for photos in state museums in Italy. The Pinacoteca Nazionale is Siena’s only state museum, and it’s a fantastic starting point for a photo tour. You’ll be able to capture images of Sienese and Renaissance art while also enjoying fantastic panoramic views of the Tuscan city from the museum windows.
The Biccherne Museum offers guided tours only in the mornings, showcasing magnificent panoramic views over Piazza del Campo. Moreover, the civic museum located in the piazza features not just the stunning frescoes by Lorenzetti and Martini, but also an impressive view from the Loggia (a covered balcony on the upper floor of the museum) that stretches over the rooftops of the Torre and Onda neighborhoods all the way to the hills of Crete Senesi and Mount Amiata.
Read more: What is the Palio in Siena?
Vintage Cars, Vespas, Washing Lines, and Tuscan Doors
A walk along Siena’s lesser-known streets is essential, as they are home to an array of charming details that few tourists discover. While you may not see as many nuns and priests in Siena as you would in Rome, and although the washing lines here can’t compete with those in Naples or Venice, what you will find are countless lovely photo opportunities if you take the time to slow down and explore Siena’s hidden backroads.
Vintage Vespas are particularly iconic in Siena, capturing the essence of Italian style and the pleasure of slow travel. Renting a classic Vespa allows you to leisurely explore the region and create cherished vintage photos. If you prefer four wheels, vintage car rentals provide a range of choices, from the beloved Fiat 500 to the chic VW Beetle, perfect for cruising through the Sienese hills for iconic photo opportunities.
Most Beautiful Neighborhoods in Siena
This can be a challenging aspect since each of Siena’s 17 contrade boasts numerous beautiful buildings, churches, and spectacular views ideal for photography. However, for the traveler short on time, here are our top five neighborhoods for leisurely photo walks:
- For sunrise and lovely morning light, walk from Piazza del Campo to Porta Romana through the Torre (tower) and Valdimontone (ram) neighborhoods (great panoramic views!) and/or towards Porta Pispini into the Nicchio (shell) neighborhood.
- During the golden hour, stroll from Piazza Sant’Agostino to Porta San Marco via the Tartuca (tortoise) and Chiocciola (snail) neighborhoods. Piazza Sant’Agostino is not just another beautiful church; it is also an excellent spot for capturing Siena after a rain shower, when the humidity still hangs in the air in the Orto dei Pecci area (see the first image at the top).
While wandering through Siena’s contrade, look for the symbols of each neighborhood (on fountains, doors, etc.). These make for wonderful photos, help with navigation, and will delight children in Siena who can turn this into a fun treasure hunt.
Siena and the Tuscan Hills
One of the most captivating aspects of Siena is how harmoniously the city melds with the iconic cypress-lined countryside. There’s no better way to end your day than by capturing a few sunset shots from Porta San Marco, Siena’s southwestern city gate. There are several locations perfect for photographing the Tuscan hills. One such spot is definitely the top of Torre del Mangia, which provides stunning bird’s eye views of the surrounding Tuscan landscape, ideal for high vantage-point photography.
Additionally, we recommend visiting Fortezza Medicea for breathtaking captures of the undulating hills and Siena’s cityscape featuring its iconic towers. The Basilica di San Domenico also offers a unique perspective on the hills while allowing you to frame the impressive architecture of the church.
What Are the Best Photo Spots in Siena?
Every photography enthusiast will likely have their favorite spot in this beautiful city. Our top pick is the Torre di Mangia, where you can take countless photos of the breathtaking scenery surrounding Siena, all while enjoying a refreshing breeze. Wherever you choose to capture, we believe you will create wonderful photographs that will keep your memories of Siena alive.
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