Green areas in Siena

The green areas within the walls of Siena were essential in the Middle Ages for sustaining the population during times of war when the city was sealed off, preventing access even to merchants bringing food supplies. Today, they no longer serve this purpose, but fortunately, they have been preserved, allowing us to enjoy them and stay connected with nature.

Below is a list of those that can be visited.

ORTO DE’ PECCI (Via di Porta Giustizia, 39)

It feels like being in the countryside when you’re here, yet you’re actually in the shade of the Torre del Mangia! Inside, there’s a bar and a restaurant. The complex is run by a non-profit cooperative aimed at integrating disadvantaged people into the workforce. Picnicking is not allowed. Check the weekly closing day before you go.

ORTO BOTANICO (Via Pier Andrea Mattioli, 4)

The Botanical Garden of Siena is a real ‘park’. It covers two and a half hectares of land with pathways and staircases to explore it. The original collection of simple and exotic plants, once located elsewhere, was transferred here in 1856. Admission fee required. Picnicking is allowed. Check the closing day before you go.

FORTEZZA MEDICEA (Piazza Caduti delle Forze Armate)

Walking along the walls, admiring the surrounding panorama, jogging, exercising with the fitness equipment provided by the Municipality of Siena, sitting on a bench to read a book or listen to music while waiting for the sunset. This is what we do in the Fortress. This is another of Amina’s favorite places in Siena. It’s always open.

ORTI DEGLI ORBACHI (Vicolo degli Orbachi)

A hidden corner in the Contrada del Bruco. The name ‘orbachi’ originates from the laurel plants that were once abundant in these gardens, so much so that they left a toponymic imprint. The ancient name of the laurus nobilis, in fact, was ‘orbaco’ and derives from the name of the fruit it produces: the orbacca or laurel berry. (Source: Strad(N)ario by Roberto Cresti and Maura Martellucci)

ORTO DEL TOLOMEI (Via Pier Andrea Mattioli, 7)

t’s a very spacious green area with a splendid view of Siena. The entrance I suggest is from Via Andrea Mattioli. Walk through the entire area until you exit onto Via Sant’Agata. Among the trees, you’ll come across a sculpture. It’s ‘The Drop’ by Tony Cragg, which has become the symbol of the Orto dei Tolomei and which the people of Siena, with a touch of snobbery, have dubbed ‘the pear’.

ORTO DELLA FONTE DELLE MONACHE (Via delle Sperandie, 47)

In my opinion, Ambrogio Lorenzetti came here when he was painting ‘The Effects of Good Government in the City and in the Country’. To understand what I’m referring to, I suggest you go and see his frescoes in the Sala della Pace of the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo when they reopen to the public. This space is open on weekdays during office hours.

At AmiRooms, you can easily reach the green areas of Siena.

Click on the picture and book your room.