Siena is home to several parks and gardens. Keen botanists should set aside some time to visit Siena's historic botanic gardens. Indeed, many of the city's parks have interesting historical connections.Visitors to Siena who are looking to relax amidst some beautiful scenery can enjoy the serenity offered by many green spaces.
The important recreational areas provided by parklands are equally important to many.
Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens)Address: Via P.A. Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0577 232 874
Established in 1784, Siena's Botanical Gardens cover a vast area and include greenhouses displaying tropical and aquatic plants. The gardens also feature exotic varieties and plants found in Tuscany, as well as succulents, cacti and fruit trees. The Orto Botanico can be accessed in the centre of Siena, near to the Piazza Sant'Agostino.
Open: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 17:30; Saturday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: free
Orto de'PecciAddress: Piazza Mercato, Siena, Italy, IT
This garden offers great views of Torre del Mangia. Maintained as a cooperative, this small green space evokes the floral scents of the Tuscan countryside. Although not very easy to find as it's tucked away somewhat, the Orto de'Pecci garden is a great place to escape the busy city streets for a while.
Open: daily
Admission: free
La Foce (Gardens of La Foce)
Address: Strada della Vittoria 61, Chianciano Terme, Siena, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0578 691 01
These gardens were created by an Englishman, Cecil Pinsent, between 1925 and 1939. Combining the best of Italian and English landscaping influences, they include a formal Italian garden, a rose garden, informal terraces and a long cypress avenue. The Gardens of La Foce are open to the public and are frequently the venue for a variety of cultural events held during the year.
Open: Wednesday, April to September - 15:00 to 19:00; October to March - 15:00 to 17:00 (guided tours only, departing from Fattoria courtyard)
Admission: free
La LizzaAddress: Viale Franci, Siena, Italy, IT
This public garden is situated by the Forte di Santa Barbara. Originally laid out in the 18th century and probably used as a place to hold tournaments, La Lizza was transformed into a public garden in 1937.
Open: daily
Admission: free
Parco delle Rimembranze (Park of Remembrance)
Located in the San Prospero district of Siena, and close to the Piazzo de Campo, is Siena's Park of Remembrance, which is known locally in Italian as the Parco delle Rimembranze. All the trees in this garden were planted in memory of fallen soldiers from World War One. This is an especially pleasant place to sit down and take a rest.
Open: daily
Admission: free
