Italy is a living museum, and few places blend history, heritage, and hospitality quite like Siena. From medieval governance to organic winemaking, the city and its surroundings tell stories of life.
Located in the Piazza del Campo, the Civic Museum is a time capsule of Siena's civic pride and spiritual roots. Dating back to the 1300s, this building was a symbol of power. The piazza outside was once exclusive to Siena’s rulers, a space where politics and the Palio met. Even today, horses still wait in the courtyard before entering the square.
Inside the museum, each room tells a story through its preserved interiors. It is not characterized by framed paintings, but, architecture spanning the 1300s to the 1800s. The image of Mary, Siena’s “Queen Mother,” is especially symbolic, protecting the halls and those who were in the building.
The Via Francigena map displayed inside speaks to this connection. This ancient route stretched from France to Rome, guiding travelers on foot to see the Pope. Siena was a vital stop, offering pilgrims rest, reflection, and an immersive taste of local hospitality.
Step out into the countryside, and you’ll find a different, but authentic side of Tuscan living. Fattoria San Donato, a family-run farm and winery that highlights sustainable agriculture and vibrant Italian hospitality. Run by a couple and their three daughters, the estate has remained in the family since 1932, when their great-grandfather purchased it.
Only two families live on the estate, maintaining the intimacy of a home while welcoming worldwide visitors into agricultural tourism. Certified organic since 2007, Fattoria San Donato’s winemaking honors traditional methods: grapes are hand-collected and aged in French and Austrian oak barrels; prioritizing blending ancestral knowledge with modern sustainability.
Their philosophy aligns with a rising trend in the Tuscan regions where wineries are expanding into hospitality to offset the rising costs of wine production. But here, it feels less like a business model and more like visiting family.
Would I want to be a ruler living in medieval times in the civico? Sign me up.
Would I live on a farm? Absolutely NOT.