Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi

This 13th-century Servite church perches on Colle di Valdimontone hill, about a 10-minute walk south from Il Campo. You'll find genuine medieval frescoes by Pietro Lorenzetti in the second chapel on the right, plus a striking 13th-century Madonna by Coppo di Marcovaldo above the high altar. The real payoff is the panoramic terrace behind the church, where you get unobstructed views across Siena's terracotta rooftops to the Duomo's striped campanile and the rolling Chianti hills beyond.

The church interior feels authentically medieval rather than overly restored, with worn stone floors and dim lighting that makes the frescoes glow. Most visitors spend 10 minutes inside before heading to the terrace, where you can sit on stone benches and take in the view. The location keeps crowds light compared to the major churches in the centro storico. The walk up Via dei Servi involves some steep sections, but the gradient is manageable for most people.

Skip this if you're pressed for time and have already been to Torre del Mangia, the views are similar but Torre del Mangia is more dramatic. The church itself is free, though there's often a small donation box. Come in late afternoon when the light hits the Tuscan hills perfectly, but avoid the hour before sunset when tour groups sometimes appear. The Lorenzetti frescoes alone justify the visit if you appreciate medieval art.