/

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Siena

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Siena, Italy

Updated March 7, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Siena

Siena, Italy

St. Catherine of Siena's Severed Head

A dismembered holy head stares out from her beautiful reliquary at the St. Dominic Basilica.

Siena, Italy

Museo Anatomico at University of Siena

Contains some of the world's more disturbing wax anatomical models.

Siena, Italy

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena

First founded in 1472, this is the oldest bank in the world. Its history may explain why we call financial institutions "banks."

Are we missing something unusual?

Chiusdino, Italy

The Sword in the Stone at Montesiepi Chapel

This sword isn't waiting for a king to pull it out. It was placed there by a saint.

14 miles from Siena

Chiusdino, Italy

Abbey of San Galgano

These gutted monastery ruins still stand proudly in the middle of the Italian countryside.

14 miles from Siena

Asciano, Italy

Il Bosco della Ragnaia

Stumbling upon this whimsical wooded garden is like stepping into an enchanted forest full of philosophical musings.

17 miles from Siena

San Gimignano, Italy

The Museum of Medieval Torture

Medieval torture techniques with a modern conscience.

17 miles from Siena

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Guided Tours of Siena

Atlas Obscura Trips

From Chocolate to Truffles: Italian Culinary Adventures

Taste your way through Italy’s northwest region of Piedmont, sampling sweets, sipping local wine, and foraging for truffles.

Explore Siena, Italy

Siena Leaderboard

Places Added

Christine Williamson

1

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Siena.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Siena.

Recent Siena Activity

F

FieryGuardian

wants to go to St. Catherine of Siena's Severed Head
I

ibewretiree

has been to St. Catherine of Siena's Severed Head
T

thomashawkpodcast

wants to go to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena
Tom Gongaware

wants to go to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena
S

stpsvicar

has been to St. Catherine of Siena's Severed Head

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.