The poetic beauty of Siena: exploring the city that hosts Strade Bianche

The poetic beauty of Siena: exploring the city that hosts Strade Bianche

Rouleur's James Startt takes a photographic journey around one of Tuscany's most picturesque cities


As Strade Bianche approaches this weekend, cycling fans turn their attention towards Siena, Italy. But while cyclists know this city for the race’s majestic finish in the Piazza del Campo, Strade Bianche is really only a small chapter in the long and storied history of this city tucked away in the heart of Tuscany.

In many ways Siena has seemingly changed little since its days as one of the capitals of the Italian Renaissance, and from its pristine Duomo to its labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, it is nothing less than a jewel of a city. If you ever find yourself in Tuscany for the Strade Bianche weekend, make sure you book a few extra days to see the sites of Siena and bathe in its poetic beauty.

Tuscany is the first and only region in Italy to have created the Atlas of Cycling Routes, available on Visit Tuscany.

For inspiration, you can browse Strade di Siena here and Terre di Siena here.

For accommodation, you can refer to Hotel Centrale Siena.

Piazza del Campo

A view of the Piazza del Campowhere the Strade Bianche races will finish this Saturday, from the heights of the historic clock tower.

Piazza del Campo

A child blowing bubbles during Carnival activities in Piazza del Campo in the week leading up to Strade Bianche. The Piazza remains the social hub of the city, and it is here where the famous Palio horse races are held every summer. But really, there is always something going on in the Piazza del Campo.

Historic clock tower, Siena

The historic clock tower, which dates back to the early 14th century, towers above the city.

Historic clock tower, Siena

Inside the clock tower, this mechanical timer assures that the clock always keeps time. Meanwhile, large plates with numbers are placed just under the 12 on the clock face at midnight of each day, to announce the date of the month. 

Rolling hills of Tuscany from Siena
The majestic hills of Tuscany, where Strade Bianche will race, can be seen from the heights of the clock tower.

Streets of Siena
The light dances in and out of the narrow, sinuous streets that lace their way through Siena.

Bar in Siena
Cafes, restaurants and watering holes are never more than a few steps away in Siena. 

Osteria in Siena
The Osteria Il Grattacielo has been a popular eatery since 1840.

Artist in Siena
Emilio Frati is just one of many artisans that still live and work in Siena. Trained in sculpture and marble work at the Accademia di Carrara, Frati spent 30 years restoring the outer walls of the Duomo. 

Artist's gold medal, Siena
Tucked away in a paper bag, Frati reveals the gold medal he was awarded by the Vatican for his restoration work.

Artist's showroom, Siena
If you ask nicely, Frati is only too happy to invite you into his personal museum, which on occasion also serves as his car park.

Piazza in Siena
Siena's many piazzas take on a new life at night and make for a magical evening stroll. 

Shop in Siena
Siena is full of gentle contrasts, like this mural of a mother and child situated just above an electrical supply store.

Bakery in SienaFrom their delicious pastries in the morning, to its lavish aperitivi, the historic Cafe Nannini is a must on any visit to Siena.

Local resident in Siena
This local resident enjoys the springtime sun from the window of his apartment.

Duomo in Siena
No trip to Siena would be complete without a trip to the magnificent Duomo of Siena. 

Nun in Siena
The Duomo dates back to the 13th century but it remains a central part of the city today. 

Siena cityscape
Sometimes, to get the best views of the city, you need to step outside of it.

Piazza del Campo during Strade Bianche 2021
The Strade Bianche is not the only bike race to visit Siena. And after starting a stage of the 2021 Giro d'Italia, the Piazza del Campo will host a stage finish this year.

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