Orto Botanico dell'Università

Siena


The tranquil terraces of this botanical garden (1856), which is spread over 2.5 hectares of the verdant Sant'Agostino Valley, provide gorgeous views across the valley and a welcome escape from the tourist crowds. Owned by the University of Siena, which operates it as a centre for research and education, it features three greenhouses filled with tropical and subtropical species, a citrus house and gardens planted with ornamental, medicinal and food plants. Native and endangered species are also represented.

Maps and itineraries in Italian, English, French and German are provided, as is some English-language labelling.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Siena attractions

1. Pinacoteca Nazionale

0.12 MILES

Siena's recently renovated art gallery, housed in 14th-century Palazzo Buonsignori since 1932, is home to an extraordinary collection of Gothic…

2. Orto de' Pecci

0.15 MILES

Operated by a social cooperative that gives support and employment to people with disabilities or dependency problems, this urban oasis is home to a small…

3. Palazzo Chigi Saracini

0.22 MILES

Few buildings have pedigrees as splendid as this 13th-century palace. Home of the Piccolomini family (of which Pope Pius II was the most prominent member)…

5. Porta del Cielo

0.26 MILES

To enjoy spectacular bird's-eye views of the interior and exterior of Siena's cathedral, buy a ticket for the 'Gate of Heaven' escorted tour up, into and…

6. Panorama del Facciatone

0.26 MILES

For an unforgettable view of Siena's unique cityscape, head up the 131-step, narrow corkscrew stairway to walk atop the unfinished facade of the Duomo…

7. Museo dell'Opera

0.26 MILES

The highlight of this repository of artworks that formerly adorned the duomo is undoubtedly Duccio (di Buoninsegna)'s striking Maestà (1308–11), which was…

8. Duomo

0.27 MILES

Consecrated on the former site of a Roman temple in 1179 and constructed over the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena's majestic duomo (cathedral) showcases…