Posted by admin in Archive, Culture, Itineraries on 01. Sep, 2010 | 0 Comments
Piazza Tolomei takes its name from the family of Guelph bankers and merchants “Tolomei”, most probably of German origin and who already in the XI-XII century possessed vast estates in Siena. Only the Palazzo Tolomei remains today, a noble construction in stone from 1205 but rebuilt after 1267 and is the oldest private residence in [...]
On the 16 August 2009 the Palio dell’Assunta was won by the Contrada della Civetta, thanks to the tenacity of the horse Istriceddu and his jockey. The Contrada hadn’t won this race since 1979. Going back in time, the first time this Contrada won the Palio was on the 2 July 1664 and in 1673 [...]
Among the numerous delicacies in the traditional enogastronomy of Siena, “Cantucci and Vin Santo” deserve a special mention. In Siena it is traditional to serve a glass of Vin Santo or sweet dessert wine with a typical Tuscan “cantuccio”. The best way to savour this is to dip the cantuccio into the wine to exalt [...]
In the early afternoon of the 16 August, just as the peals of the Sunto — the huge bell at the top of the Mangia Tower — are heard, the flag-wavers start their elegant, rhythmical dance. The protagonists or “characters”, wonderfully adorned in costumes jealously coveted in museums, form a historical procession known as the [...]
The first Contrada to be cited in history and still today bears its original name is the Chiocciola (Snail), named by the Sienese storyteller Gentile Sermini when describing the game of “punga” (an old form of boxing) in the XV century. The characteristic silver coat of arms of the Contrada incorporates a snail against a [...]
La Nobile Contrada dell’Aquila is one of the seventeen historical subdivision of the Tuscan city of Siena. The origins of the coat of arms derives from the noble family of the Marescotti, who resided in this area in ancient times. Aquila was the last contrada of Siena to participate in the Palio. After the victory [...]
On the 13 August, four days before the Palio dell’Assunta is held, the ancient ceremony or “tratta” takes place which involves a draw to assign the horses (known as barberi) to the ten winning Contrade. The horse assigned to each Contrada “is considered as destiny“: under no circumstances can the horse be changed even if [...]
The city of Siena is a prime example of how fortifications influenced the urban layout of mediaeval cities. The fundamental role of fortifications in the mediaeval city followed perfectly the symbolic representation of the city in which there were only three elements: the cathedral, the walls of the city and then the seat of power [...]
The sixth and final trial before the Palio takes place on the 2 July — called the provaccia — was won this year by the Contrada del Bruco. The official register of the Municipality of Siena registers 34 victories to the Nobile Contrada del Bruco, the last on the 2 July 2005. The colours of [...]
The TRENO NATURA – or Nature Train is a relaxing way of enjoying a day immersed in the splendid countryside around Siena. TRENO NATURA isn’t a vehicle or a means of transport but is more a time machine. Enjoy the undeniable thrill of climbing on board those old carriages pulled by a real steam locomotive [...]
This year Siena will host the 10th Edition of the annual programme of Archaeological Evenings, a rich series of meetings organised at unusual times throughout the whole month of July. The programme offers exciting and novel opportunities to discover the millennial old history of Siena and the surrounding territory. 304 different events organised all over [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Handicraft on 19. Jul, 2010 | No Comments
The art of glass-making in Tuscany has been practiced since Etruscan time with a characteristic production of small ampulle for both domestic use and for worship. From the XIII century, Tuscany played an important role in glass-making both in Italy and in Europe. Glasses and bottles were frequently featured in paintings of that period and [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Culture on 19. Jul, 2010 | No Comments
The Mannerist Church of Santa Maria di Provenzano or simply la Chiesa di Provenzano is one of the oldest buildings Siena constructed after the after conquest of the city by the Medici family. In the area of the city which today corresponds to the Contrada of the Giraffe, we find it following Vicolo del Fontino, [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Events on 12. Jul, 2010 | 1 Comment
From the 18 July to the 25 August, the 79th edition of the Estate Musicale Chigiana will be held on the fascinating stage of the most beautiful abbeys and churches of Siena and the surrounding province and as protagonists, the most celebrated musicians and their students attending the advanced summer school at the Accademia Chigiana. [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Food & Wine on 05. Jul, 2010 | No Comments
Since ancient times Tuscany, and especially Siena and the province, has been closely linked to wine making.Despite that the first traces of vines have been traced to about 4000 years B.C. in the region of Mesopotamia, some fossil traces of Vitis Vinifera were found in the Travertino marble in San Vivaldo, which lead us be [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Food & Wine, Itineraries on 25. Jun, 2010 | No Comments
The Sienese cuisine is based on the typical ingredients “par excellence” of Mediterranean region: extra-virgin olive oil, wheat, fine meats, sheep cheeses, truffles, cured meats and vegetables. The simplicity and quality of these ingredients render the local dishes popular throughout the world.Many dishes are traditional to the homely-style cooking of the countryside; simple but tasty [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Culture, Events on 09. Jun, 2010 | No Comments
To apply the general definition of other popular Tuscan festivals to the Palio di Siena is impossible. The Palio takes place twice a year — on the 2 July and the 16 August — but the inhabitants of Siena inhabitants who still live in the city or even those who live far from it, experience [...]
Posted by admin in Archive, Events, Itineraries on 05. Jun, 2010 | No Comments
From 18 to 20 June in San Gimignano, in the province of Siena , we have the Ferie delle Messi, which evokes the traditional “ferie Messium”, established under the title “De Ferris Potencies” of 1255 and 1314. This manifestation recreates the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with musical and theatrical performances, the unfailing local gastronomy and [...]
Posted by admin in Archive on 12. May, 2010 | No Comments
Historical significance, spectacular aesthetics and great service have made Palazzo Ravizza one of the standard-bearers among Siena hotels in Italy. Our goal is to make our guests feel as if they are being transported to a different era without sacrificing any of the comfort, convenience or services you would expect from a modern luxury hotel. [...]
Posted by admin in Archive on 10. May, 2010 | No Comments
When you travel to Siena, accommodation in the Palazzo Ravizza is sure to meet all your requirements. All our guest rooms and suites have been renovated within the past three years, updated with LCD-screen televisions, new luxury mattresses, towel warmers and high quality linens. Other services available to our guests include: Wireless Internet access in [...]
Posted by admin in Archive on 05. May, 2010 | No Comments
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