Where are the escalators located in Siena?
To facilitate the visit to the historic center of the city, the Municipality of Siena has introduced a system of escalators connected to a series of car parks several years ago.
These escalators, open 24 hours a day, are located in the north, east, and west areas of Siena and allow visitors to avoid the steep slopes encountered when heading towards the city center.
This well-thought-out system enables both tourists and locals to reduce travel times and reach desired city spots in the safest conditions.
This is made possible by the use of park-and-ride facilities strategically placed at access points to the city and connected to the historic center by escalators and minibuses.
But now, let’s see what the most important escalators in Siena are and where they are located.
Risalita Stazione-Antiporto-Porta Camollia manages to connect the Siena train station with the Antiporto area, near Porta Camollia.
This setup is perfect for those arriving in Siena by train or bus and wanting to reach the city center as quickly as possible.
It’s also a good option for those driving, as it’s possible to park near the station.
This mechanized lift system is the most recent and was inaugurated by the Municipality of Siena in 2011.
It covers a distance of 283 meters with an elevation change of 62 meters, allowing a maximum capacity of about 6000 people per hour.
Along the way, there are multiple shops and restaurants, and Piazza del Campo is only a 25-minute walk away.
The route is mostly underground, and the Municipality of Siena has also considered the needs of people with disabilities.
Indeed, it is possible to reach the base of the system and Piazzale Rosselli from the underground station car park using comfortable elevators.
Once in Piazzale Rosselli, thanks to specific call systems, it will be possible to benefit from a dedicated taxi service.
Risalita San Francesco – East Dock.
These escalators are located near the church of San Francesco and the square of the same name that hosts several departments of the University of Siena.
Using this lift system, you can quickly reach Piazza Salimbeni, Piazza Provenzano, the city course, and, of course, Piazza del Campo.
The first escalator system implemented by the Municipality of Siena, the San Francesco Lift allows you to cross the entire city wall circuit to Piazza Francesco in just a few minutes.
The route, completely underground except for the access points, is 120 meters long and passes directly under the 15th-century city walls to arrive behind the basilica of San Francesco.
It was inaugurated in 2000 and is estimated to transport about one million tourists and locals each year.
And finally, let’s see the third and last escalator service: Risalita di Santa Caterina – West Dock.
This facility is right next to the Santa Caterina car park and very close to the bus parking area for tourists.
It also represents a direct connection to Piazza del Campo and Piazza Duomo.
This escalator was inaugurated in 2005 and consists of twelve escalator flights with an hourly capacity of about 4,500 people.
The lower entrance is located on Via Esterna di Fontebranda, near the gate of the same name and a few meters from the fountain and the Santa Caterina parking lot.
The upper exit, however, is located in Via di Valle Piatta, less than 200 meters from the city cathedral.
These escalators were built with an automatic start system using photocells, and the entire facility develops under via del Costone, overcoming an elevation change of 35 meters.
The escalator is completely underground and is ideal for reaching the Duomo, the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex, the Basilica of St. Domenico, the Caterinian Sanctuary, and, of course, the city center.
Naturally, parking and taking the escalators isn’t the most convenient solution.
The most comfortable solution is undoubtedly booking a hotel in Siena Centro, such as the Minerva Hotel, our hotel in the center of Siena with perfect parking for families and couples who desire the utmost convenience.
Scroll through the site and discover all our rooms with a panoramic view of the historic center of Siena and remember that if you book through the site, you will always have the best price guaranteed.