Christmas on the Francigena road
Posted on 13. Dec, 2012 by admin in Archive, Events, Itineraries
Are you thinking about an original way to spend the Christmas Eve? Siena is a perfect destination for your next holidays, a romantic city where to exchange gifts and join historical itineraries, but at the same time is a nice starting point to visit the surrounding towns.
We suggest you an event in Monteriggioni for Christmas Eve: this Medieval town is a part of the hill area called Montagnola Senese and is famous for its castle, built between 1214 and 1219.
At the castle there will be the meeting for the Candlelight Walk on Francigena road, the ancient route the pilgrims did to go from Rome to Canterbury, and among the stages Monteriggioni is included. At 9:30 pm the walking through the woods will start, you’ll be enlightened only by the torchs as in the past centuries, a 4 km itinerary to feel the Christmas mood in an intense way.
The arrival is expected for 11:00 pm in Abbadia a Isola at the church of Santi Salvatore e Cirino, where will be celebrated the Midnight Mass; in Abbadia there will be open a refreshment stand and to comeback in Monteriggioni there will be available a shuttle service. If you are curious about the Nativity in miniature there is a crèche exhibition at the Centro Parrocchiale in Castellina Scalo, open only during holidays and on the days before a holiday, until 6th January, from 10:00 am to 12:30 am and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Christmas holidays are ideal to visit this town, that was also a set for many commercials and movies (for example some scenes of Gladiator by Ridley Scott). On 26th December, St. Stephen’s Day (also known as Boxing Day) there will be a live concert at the church of Cristo Re in Castellina Scalo, at 4:00 pm and at free entrance. Here the Maestro Daniele Dori will play an organ that dates back to XVIII century recently restored, a unique chance to listen a precious instrument full of history.
At the end of this itinerary in province, stay in Siena to spend relaxing days, go shopping in the historical center, visit the handicraft shops or enjoy a tasting of DOC wines at the historical wine cellars, a pleasant “antidote” to this cold season.
To know more visit the official website: www.monteriggioniturismo.it
