To really understand Siena, you must understand not only what is above ground, but what is underneath as well. The bottini are a remarkable system of 25km (15.5miles) of tunnels that still carry the water that feeds Siena’s fountains today.
Tickets for the September visits will be available to book online from 4 August using this link: https://siena.b-ticket.com/ticketshop/webticket/timeslot. There will be a special square for the bottini (not to be confused with the Museo dell’Acqua, which is also well worth a visit!). The visits will be in Italian, but you’ll still enjoy them! If you’d like to book a visit in English, you may write directly to the Associazione la Diana at info@ladianasiena.it. More information is available on their website at https://www.ladianasiena.it/i-luoghi-dellacqua/bottini/.
Dates:
Sat. 6 Sept at 9.00 and 10.30
Sun 7 Sept at 10.30
Sat 13 Sept at 9.00 and 10.30
Sun 21 Sept at 10.30
Sat 27 Sept at 9.00 and 10.30
Sun 28 Sept at 10.30
Rules for visit:
You must wear proper shoes (no flip flops or high heels!) and you will be asked to leave your bag in a locker before beginning the tour. You will be given a hairnet and a helmet to wear for the duration of the tour, plus a flashlight to use (it is not recommended to use your cell phone’s light in case you drop it into the water!).
Warning:
There is one way in and one way out. You will be underground in a tight space, so this visit is not recommended by those who suffer from claustrophobia. It is also not an accessible route (there are steep steps to get into the first room), but the volunteers of the Diana will do their best to make you feel at ease, and the pace is always slow and careful!
