Siena - The Town

Siena lies on three hill ridges which meet in the center of the old town, and accordingly is divided into three wards or terzi (thirds): to the south the Terzo di Città (with Via di Città as its main street), to the north the Terzo di Camollia (main street Banchi di Sopra) and to the east the Terzo di San Martino (main street Banchi di Sotto). The three main streets meet at what is called the Croce del Travaglio (Cross of Work), by the Loggia della Mercanzia.

Since the valleys between the hills have no streets cutting conveniently across them, the route from one part of the town to another almost inevitably goes by way of the Croce del Travaglio. The central area of Siena is closed to private cars.