igus:bike

The first Tuscan stage from Siena to San Gimignano: ride among hills, towers and cypresses

Diego Ghislandi | 26. June 2025

Our second week begins in Siena, one of the most fascinating cities in Tuscany, known for its historical heritage, medieval architecture, and above all for the Palio, the famous horse race that brings the city to life every year. It’s already very hot this morning when we enter the historic Center on our igus:bike but the narrow alleys and brick buildings offer us a bit of delightful shadow.

What truly makes Siena unique, however, are its Contrade: the city is divided into 17 historic districts (Contrade) — real “communities” that have passed down their symbols, colors, and traditions for centuries. Each Contrada has its own fountain, own church and above all, a strong sense of identity. As we ride through the streets and spot crests, flags, and carved emblems, we naturally prefer one or the other area: who the tortoise district, who the snail, who the dragon or eagle…

After a few minutes, we arrive at Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most iconic squares, famous for its shell-like shape and for being the beating heart of Siena — and the site of the Palio. We stop to take a picture of the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia that overlook the square. It’s impossible not to imagine the crowds, the flags, and the thundering horses during the race. Who knows who will win the Palio this year, on August 16th?

Leaving the square, we ride over to the nearby Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its white and green striped marble facade welcomes us — inside are mosaics, sculptures, and works by artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo.

In the early afternoon, we leave Siena and head toward San Gimignano, riding through the hills of Tuscany. Our bike leads us straight into the city center, where the vibe changes completely but remains equally captivating.

San Gimignano is known for its numerous medieval towers that still rise proudly above the town. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as we walk (or slowly pedal) through its cobbled streets, it’s easy to see why. We take a break in Piazza della Cisterna, the heart of local life, lined with towers, old buildings, and artisan shops. The team treats itself to a well-earned gelato, and the day ends with Diego riding downhill from the hilltop where San Gimignano stands, rounding off another chapter of our igus:bike adventure.

Our riders:

Diego Ghislandi

My name is Diego Ghislandi, I’m 25, from Lomagna (LC). I work in Digital Marketing. In my free time, I practice calisthenics outdoor, I enjoy hiking in the mountains and love exploring new things. This tour is a chance to put a face to the numbers I see every day behind the screen and to share an experience with colleagues I rarely meet. My motto for this adventure: “Be curious as a child, it’s the smartest way to be an adult.”