Siena or Assisi

I've spent several days in Sienna and a few weeks in Assisi (over several trips). I found the "old town" atmosphere better preserved in Assisi... although I know others will disagree. It depends on your interests, but the art in Assisi is so spectacular and I also find Assisi spiritually moving. Both locations will benefit by an overnight stay, if you can swing it. Orvieto is also a lovely, short day trip from Rome.

I agree with Sherry. If there's any way to do an overnight at either one of them, do it. Personally, I found Assisi to be the more beautiful, even with the St. Francis kitsch all over the place. Here are some of the photos I took during the three days we were in Assisi, in case you're interested: Assisi in May 2008

Assisi

Michael, thank you for sharing the photos. We start our trip 21 days and 14 hours from now (but who's counting?), and we have five nights in Assisi. Can't wait!

Jeff, we spent only two nights in Assisi that time and really regretted not spending at least three.

We loved, loved, loved Assisi. Spent 3 nights there and wished we could have stayed longer. Been to Siena for several days twice and don't like it.

Siena looks sexier from the pictures. But I haven't been to any.

Some people choose to go places that are quiet, contemplative and yes, even spiritual (that's why we're going to Assisi, and we're not Catholic); others like to party. Diversity is a good thing.

Great, thank you all! It's pretty well unanimous: Assisi it is! Great photos, Michael! That helped seal the deal. Sherry, I already have Orvieto on my itinerary, so thanks for confirming that. I've not been able to make it up there on my previous trips and keep hearing it recommended. Travel on! Brant

I love your photos Michael. Now Assisi is going on my mental list as a destination the next time I go to Italy. We picked up a car in Orvieto and spent part of that day there. I wish we had more time there. It's an easy train ride from Rome.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to travel. Only you can decide what sounds the most interesting to you. Rick Steves gives good advice when he says that to really appreciate Italy, especially church and other holy sites, it helps to sort of "pretend" to be Catholic. I enjoyed Siena as well, just not as much.

I don't know of any study here which has tested religious beliefs or otherwise of contributors. My memory is actually pretty good of the various threads over the last several years (it fills my mind, both a boon and a burden) and I'm pretty sure there's never been that discussion. It is always best on a Helpline, especially this one, to stick with facts.

Brant, glad to hear you're also going to Orvieto. It was another favorite of ours. Here are some of the photos from that trip, in case you're interested: Orvieto May 2011

I guess I'm bucking the trend here but of the two (and I've been to both) Siena is the one I would go back to again. I absolutely loved Siena and unfortunately I would probably not be able to pinpoint why, just something about the vibe there I guess. Don't get me wrong, I loved Assisi also, we spent the night there and it was very special, but I still prefer Siena.

Have been to Siena 3x, Assisi 2x and enjoyed both. We spent a week at an agriturismo just outside of Assisi and loved it (www.lafornace.com) with views of Assisi from the swimming pool.

Sienna for sure! We were lucky enough to be there for Palio but would go back regardless!

Great photos again, Michael! Your photos make me eager to get there! Brant

I am doing 2 nights in Assisi in October and the pics of Orvieto just sealed the deal in that I am taking a day trip up there. Thanks Michael!

Here's some outstanding info on doing Orvieto as a daytrip from Rome, from the always awesome Ron In Rome: http://www.roninrome.com/%20shopping-dining/orvieto-day-trip-from-rome