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The Bottini
The underground soul
Beneath the warmth of Siena’s red bricks lies a silent, damp world: the Bottini. This incredible network of underground aqueducts, over 25 kilometers long, was excavated by hand over centuries to supply the city with water—a rare resource for a center built on arid hills far from major rivers.
Walking through these tunnels, just over a man’s height and as narrow as one's shoulders, is both an adrenaline-fueled and fascinating experience. One can admire the ingenuity of medieval "architects" who, by following the natural slope of the terrain, managed to bring water to the monumental fountains on the surface, such as Fontebranda. The silence, broken only by the dripping of water, and the sight of limestone formations make a visit to the Bottini a unique journey. It is a tribute to the tenacity and intelligence of a people who knew how to bend nature to their needs, building an invisible city that mirrors the splendid one we all know.
THE ADVICE
CURIOSITY
ATTRACTION
Preparing for Your Visit: The Bottini are a very unique environment: the temperature is a constant 15°C (59°F) with 90% humidity. It is essential to wear waterproof hiking shoes or rubber boots, as you will often walk through a few centimeters of water, and bring a light jacket even in the height of summer. If you suffer from claustrophobia, please reconsider the visit as the passages are narrow and enclosed.
The Fonte Gaia Branch: This is the most famous and evocative section of the aqueduct. By walking along this underground passageway, you arrive directly beneath Piazza del Campo, where the water is collected before gushing out into the monumental fountain. It is an incredible thrill to know you are exactly under the feet of thousands of unsuspecting tourists, in the secret heart of the city.
The "Guerchi" and the Leggera: The guerchi were the laborers who excavated the Bottini. Legend has it that many of them, working for too long in darkness and silence, began to hear mysterious voices and noises attributed to the "Diana"—a mythical underground river believed to flow beneath Siena. This belief has fueled Sienese folklore and the mystery surrounding the city's tunnels for centuries.
Tourist Information
Reservation Mandatory: Visits are extremely limited to protect the site. They must be booked months in advance through the "La Diana" association or the Municipality of Siena.
Duration: The standard route lasts about an hour and a half. A reasonable degree of physical agility is required to move through the lowest and narrowest sections.
Access: The meeting point for guided tours varies depending on the chosen branch, but usually begins near historical fountains such as Fonte Nuova d'Ovile or the Fonte di Pescaia.