Siena

Throughout terms of riches, power, as well as for its art and architecture, Siena was Florence's main adversary in the 13th and 14th centuries. As seen by the beautiful cathedral, one of Italy's best examples of Gothic architecture, its painters were on par with those of Florence. More magnificent Gothic churches and palaces can be seen all across the city, the majority of which were built using Siena's distinctive red clay. The cathedral in Siena, one of the best day trips from Florence, is covered in alternating bands of dark and light marble, and it also has statues and reliefs that were all created by renowned artist Giovanni Pisano.

The cathedral and its chapels, crypt, library, and museum are all filled with the paintings, sculptures, carvings, frescoes, stained glass, and gold work of artists like Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Bernini, and others. The city of Siena is situated on hills, so even just strolling through its winding ancient lanes is enjoyable. Even its largest Piazza del Campo, the site of the renowned Palio horse race, dips downward.

• Ticket price: €15
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Opening hours: (Monday - Saturday) 10:30 - 17:30; (Sundays and public holidays) 13:30 - 15:30
• Distance from Florence: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Website: https://www.sienalv.org/