Last summer, I studied abroad in Siena, Italy for a month. At first, I wanted to be everywhere else. I stayed in Florence hostels and spent weekends by the sea. Time passed. I realized I wanted to make Siena — this medieval city in orange and goldenrod tones — home. As a college student, I wanted to go-go-go. But when I slowed down, I discovered everything Siena had to offer. The Piazza del Campo, the city’s center, has everything you need for a pretty perfect day.
Seeing Siena from above
Beat the sun and wake up early to climb the Torre del Mangia (Tower of the Eater). Warning: there are a lot of stairs. Some stairs spiral, while others sit between slim walls of cement. You’ll make it to the top. And when you do, you’ll see the whole city before you: expanses of warm tones, tiled roofs, patio tables and Italian men with coffee lounging in the sun.
A pub with school spirit
After an afternoon nap, visit the San Paolo Pub. Their menu is limited, but if you stick to the salty and golden chicken tenders, you’ll be set. Weirdly enough, this pub that’s half a world away from Eugene has a lot of UO pride. A green and yellow flag with a giant O hangs at the entrance, and they’ll give discounts and access to the karaoke machine to any UO student with ID.
The magic of the piazza at night
After sunset, bring your gelato—one scoop of refreshing strawberry and one scoop of chocolate- hazelnut swirled pinguino—to the piazza. At night, you can hear the echoed sound of laughter, Italian chatter, and glasses clinking. Watch kids as they throw lights in the air, but be warned— their aim isn’t always great. A light might land in your gelato.
In July and August, the piazza is transformed for the Palio, a bareback horserace integral to the city’s history. Tuffa, literally translated to “earth,” covers the square, and rickety stands are assembled around it. You can’t miss the Palio if you’re visiting in the summer. Year-round, the piazza provides a space for UO students to eat, cheers, bask, and make memories that last, through college and beyond.
By Maya McLeroy
Advancing Your Academic Success: Pre-Freshman Studies in Siena, Summer 2022
