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Info Siena and Province
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The City of Siena
Praised for its sheer beauty and
profusion of works of art
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The Province of Siena
Picturesque region and origin
of the Brunello wine
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Toscana Forum
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Holiday Rentals in Tuscany
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Information: Siena and Province |
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Menu
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To obtain a list of holiday accommodation available in this region of Tuscany please refer to the link below:
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For more information on events, folklore and festivities throughout Tuscany please refer to the link below:
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The City of Siena
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Local folk will tell you that Siena is the most beautiful city in Tuscany - but even tourists and visitors are captivated by its magnificence and splendour ! With 66,000 inhabitants, Siena is the capital of the Tuscan province of the same name and second alone to Florence among the cities of Tuscany in its profusion of works of art, preserving its medieval character to a remarkable degree. It stands on a Y-shaped ridge (320M) and spreads into the adjacent valleys; the streets are consequently often steep, and to pass from one part of the city to another it is often necessary to cross a deep valley. For this reason, and also because its treasures are unusually scattered, several days may be needed for an adequate visit. The entire centre has been completely closed to traffic, ideal for pedestrians and visitors on foot. Parking areas are clearly indicated at the entrance to the town. The walls of Siena survive almost entire but, of the original 38 gates, only eight are extant.
Sienese architecture, representing a blend of the Gothic style with Italian spirit, produced the fine Palazzo Comunale, the cathedral and numerous palaces. At the foot of the hill on the Camporegio stands the austere Gothic church of "San Domenico", begun in 1226, enlarged, damaged, and altered in successive centuries. At the highest point of the city stands the "Duomo" on the handsome "Piazza del Duomo", the cathedral square. The cathedral is, despite certain Romanesque elements, to be considered the earliest of the great Tuscan Gothic churches. It was begun in 1196 and the main structure was completed by 1215. The octagonal pulpit is a remarkable Gothic work by the sculpture Nicolas Pisano, completed six years after his famous pulpit in the baptistery in Pisa. The "Battisterio di San Giovanni", just beneath part of the cathedral, with a noble but unfinished facade, along with the "Museo dell' Opera del Duomo -Metropolitana" (Centro) are a central point for a start on a long journey through Italian art and history. From the "Museo Civico" over to the "Pinacoteca Nazionale" art gallery, one can pass and visit the many beautiful churches "San Domenico", San Francesco, "Santa Maria dei Servi" and "Sant' Agostino".
"Piazza del Campo" is the main piazza of Siena and one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy. Paved in red brick and marble, it has remarkable form of a fan or scallop-shell and slopes down to the Palazzo Pubblico on the S.E. side. Occupying the site of the Roman forum, it is the scene in summer of the famous Palio. It is enclosed by a picturesque medley of palaces with restaurants, cafes and shops. A perfect mixture with respect for old and new where the wonderful atmosphere has been successfully preserved and maintained.
Il Palio
Corso del Palio is a horserace which takes place twice a year in the campo: on 2 July (Visitation) and 16 August (the day after assumption). The Palio has survived as one of the most spectacular festivals in Italy, in which the whole city participates. Rivalry between the contade is strongly felt and provides an extraordinary atmosphere of excitement in the city throughout the summer. The events leading up to the Palio include several dress-rehearsals of the race, and celebrations in each contrada (town quarter) including banquet with the jockey the evening before the race. On the day of the Palio there is a rehearsal in the morning, the blessing of the horse and jockey in the church of each cotrada in the early afternoon, and a parade at a about 6pm in Renaissance costume enlivened by "sbandierata" (flag throwing), and culminating in a triumphal chariot drawn by four white oxen. The race itself takes place at 8pm and consists of three laps of the Campo. The jockeys (fantini) of the teams, which are named after the contrade (Aquila, Pantera, Leocorno, Drago, etc.) carry distinctive colours and are dressed in medieval costumes. They race for the Palio, or banner, which goes to the winning contrada, not to an individual. Celebrations by the winning contrade continue for many weeks after the victory. The later, and more important, contest is believed to commemorate the victory of Montaperti; the earlier race was established in 1659. The race can be watched from the centre of the Campo, or tickets purchased for a place in the stands.
Tip:
"Conca di Oro" on the Banchi di Sopra 24, north of the Piazza del Campo. This cafe belongs to the Family Nannini, Gianna Nannini and her brother ex-racing driver Alessandro Nannini famous natives of Siena. The café has been run by the family since 1943 with traditional coffee roasting on the premises served with "Panforte Siense", a local speciality.
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Pienza
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Pienza is a charming compact little town, the birthplace in 1405 of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, afterwards Pius II (Pope II), who changed its name from "Corsignano" to Pienza, after himself (the town of Pius), after charging Bernardo Rossellino to make it a centre of art.
The major monuments were all built between 1459 and 1462, and the Piazza Pio II. is a remarkable example of the 15C Florentine style. The Duomo, one of the first Renaissance churches in Tuscany, was consecrated in 1462. The interior contains a fine series of altarpieces and in the baptistery below is a font by Rossellino. The Palazzo Piccolomini, on the W. Side, begun by Pius II and finished by Pius III, his nephew, is considered Rossellino's masterpiece.
Pienza also has its traditions set, like all regions of Tuscany, in its fine cuisine. Local dishes include
Pici, homemade pasta, and specialities include wild boar dishes or wild boar salami, an absolute delicacy of the region. Famous from the area is also sheeps cheese, Pecorino of Pienza, as well as the local Grappa. Buon appetito e salute ! (also to note: all grocery stores are open on Sundays in Pienza !)
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San Quirico d` Orcia
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A pretty road surrounded by picturesque landscape climbs to San Quirico d` Orcia (409m), a town once an important "crossroads" for pilgrims travelling from northern Europe on their way to Rome. At the entrance to the town is a splendid Romanesque " Collegiata" with a beautiful S. portal in the manner of Giovanni Pisano with lions and caryatids.
4 km beyond San Quirico situated on a small plateau is the tiny thermal station
Bagno Vignoni. The warm waters bubble up into a large " piscina" constructed by the Medici in the charming piazza. Breathtaking views and stunning scenery can be found in and around the castle
"Castello di Ripa d' Orcia". Well worth making the adventurous trip up to the castle as you will certainly be rewarded by the panorama !
Celebrations and festivities are naturally important here too, in keeping with tradition. The towns main celebration is "Festa del Barbarossa" which takes place on the third Sunday in June with processions in historical costume. The first Sunday in September is also an important date with local celebrations, processions and a small market.
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Montepulciano
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Picturesque landscape with magnificent scenery of rolling hills and spectacular panorama,
and celebrated wine region.
Montepulciano is a dignified and interesting walled town on a hilltop (605m) between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia, commanding the S.E. part of Tuscany and Umbria. Especially noted for its well preserved Renaissance architecture and monuments. The town is centred around the Piazza Grande with a pretty fountain. Here stands the Duomo (1592-1630) and in the same square is the 14C Palazzo Comunale, from the tower of which there is a glorious view, and many characteristic Renaissance mansions. Outside the town walls a road descends the hill, approx. 2,2 km, to the church " Madonna di San Biagio", approached by a noble cypress avenue. This graceful structure, already to be seen from a distance with its shining yellow-gold façade, has a beautiful interior.
Basking in the verdant countryside of Tuscany and the renowned Chianti Classico region, Montepulciano is famous for its innumerable surrounding vineyards and most celebrated Brunello wines. The perfect setting for a wine-tasting experience !! Discover for yourself some of the superior quality wines on offer by visiting one of the many vineyards or wine cellar tours.
Montepulciano is also popular for events ! The music festival "Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte" and the traditional folklore performance "Bruscello" attract many visitors.
The San Albano terme also attracts an increasing number of visitors to its health spas, eager to experience its therapeutic qualities !
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Chiusi
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Ancient Etruscan town
One of the 12 cities of the Etrusan Confederation it reached its greatest splendour about the 7C or 6C B.C when Lars Porsena, the Lucumo or king of Etrusco, attacked Rome in 508 B.C. The Etruscan period still plays an important role and is clearly visible when visiting the town today. Under the streets runs a labyrinth of Etruscan galleries, and a vast Etruscan necropolis surrounds the town. The Romanesque Duomo is built almost entirely of Etruscan and Roman fragments and in the "Museo Nazionale Etrusco" one can discover many archaeological findings and relics along with fascinating documentation of this long forgotten but highly intelligent culture. The Etruscan tombs in the neighbourhood are well worth a visit (ask for a guide at the museum).
Just 3km outside the town centre is a delightful lake with picnic area !
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Abbazia Sant' Antimo
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10km south of Montalcino lies the splendid Benedictine abbey church of Sant'Antimo, "Abbazia San't Antimo", in a remarkable position enclosed within low hills. It dates mainly from 1118. The interior is remarkable for its luminous effect, caused by the church having (in part) been built of alabaster. An absolute beautiful, tranquil and picturesque setting !
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Abbazia di Monte Oliveta Maggiore
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Famous monastery containing fine Renaissance art.
Situated on a richly wooded promontory in a peaceful almost magical location, this famous monastery was founded for hermits in 1313. The monastery was suppressed by Napoleon in 1810, and after restoration work, was made a National Monument in 1866. Some monks remain as caretakers and hospitality is available at the guest house. Pilgrims and travellers often gather and meet here to visit the "holy" treasures of art. From the gateway beneath a great tower decorated with terracottas, a road winds down to the monastery through an avenue of cypresses. The great cloister is famous for its 41 frescoes from the life of St Benedict. At the entrance or gateway to Monte Oliveto Maggiore is the "la Torre" restaurant offering local and traditional cuisine.
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Monteriggioni
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Monteriggioni, standing on a hillock, its 13C walls (restored) complete with fourteen towers, provides a truly romantic view from below. It was once a Sienese fortress. The walls now encircle a tiny medieval hamlet of approx. 6700 inhabitants and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the province of Siena.
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Montalcino
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Famous worldwide for its wine, the renowned Brunello
(approx. 1400 hectares of vineyards),
and also displays some of Tuscany's finest architecture.
Montalcino is a beautifully situated walled town (567m). The last bulwark of Sienese independence, it is crowned by a Rocca of 1361. From the terrace of the "Madonna del Soccorso" church you have wonderful panoramic views across the valley. The Gothic-Romanesque church of Sant' Agostino has a beautiful rose window and frescoes of the 14C Sienese school. The adjacent seminary houses the Museo Diocesano and the Museo Civico. Here are displayed Sienese paintings, an illuminated bible (12C), a painted cross (12C-13C), a crucifixion, good wood statues and archaeological remains. The Franciscan monastery, with its church, and the Misericordia church, with its cloister containing interesting frescoes and tombs, along with many other ancient buildings make a visit to this town an interesting and varied experience (religion, culture and history) and last but not least, the wine ! The "Palazzo Comunale" houses the Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino institute for wine growing and the wine growers co-operative.
Especially notable are the ceramics from this region, particularly the craftsmanship involved.
On the last Sunday in October is the "Sagra del Tordo" , beginning of the hunting season, which is celebrated with organised tournaments and archery contests between teams from the different town quarters dressed in traditional costumes. Very interesting and very exciting to watch !
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Ancient Abbey Ruin San Galgano
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The Church of San Gagano is built in a French Cistercian Gothic style of singular correctness (1218-88). The abbey, once the chief Cistercian house in Tuscany, was built on the old spot where St Galgano Guidotti made his hermitage in 1180. It fell on evil days in the 16C and was finally disolved in 1652. It is now roofless and has a grass-grown nave, and is one of the most romantic sites in Tuscany ! On the summit of the hill above is the circular Romanesque chapel of Monte Siepi, "Oratorio di San Galgano al Montesiepi", preserving interesting and revealing frescoes..
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Chianciano
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Chianciano Terme (455m) is a well known spa with warm saline and chalybeate waters, and has become one of the most important terme centres in Italy. The place was known to the Romans as Fontes Clusinae and has been famous for its thermal waters for over 2000 years. Today numerous hotels and pensions cater for visitors. The Acqua Santa waters are taken internally for liver complaints as well as treatments for kidney complaints. The Sillene spring is used for baths. A visit to the newly opened museum "Archeologico delle Acque" is focused once again on the Etruscan and Roman periods with many archaeological findings on display. Also a visit to the historical centre of Chianciano terme should not be left out with its romantic backstreets and narrow alleys and picturesque piazzas !
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San Gimignano
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A charming small hill-town (324 m) often described as the "Manhattan of Tuscany" ! It has preserved its medieval appearance more completely than any other town in Tuscany. The town is famous for its numerous towers, (15 in total, for 650 yrs 72) which make it conspicuous from a great distance and provide one of the most remarkable views in Italy ! The town was long known as "San Gimignano delle belle Torri" from the noble towers of its palazzi, most of which were constructed in the 12C-13C. The towers, in medieval times, were said to be a sign of wealth and fame, "the higher the tower, the more prestigious and wealthier the family". The entrance to the town is through "Porta San Giovanni " (1262), finest of the town gates. .A wonderful atmosphere and magical medieval flair can be found on the charming "Piazza della Cisterna" , named from its well (ital. Cisterna), with 13-14C buildings, notably Palazzo Tortoli with its two-light windows. A few paces to the north is "Piazza del Duomo", another handsome medieval square with a number of towers. The crenellated "Palazzo del Popolo", with its tower and loggia, stands to the left of the Collegiata at the top of a flight of steps. Opposite the church is "Palazzo del Podesta", with an unusual vaulted loggia surmounted by the "Torre della Rognosa (51m) which was once appointed the maximum standard of height in order to diminish rivalry in tower-building. Behind the cathedral is the ruined Rocca, begun in 1353; the surviving tower commands a remarkable view of the town and countryside. San Gimignano is surrounded by rich agricultural land, also famous for its wine (notably the white Vernaccia).
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Holiday Accommodation Booking Agency
featuring individually selected holiday accommodation in Tuscany
We act on behalf of local property owners as agent between
owner and customer in a reservation and contract arrangement
Copyright 2004-2010 © by Elisa Santoni Gabrielides
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