Buon Natale A Voi :) !!

Palazzo Salimbeni

I am sure that everyone that has been in Siena has seen Palazzo Salimbeni. However have you entered and visited this building? You really should !

It is another piece of history in Siena – was built in the 14th century into the walls near the early medieval church of San Donato by expanding an existing castle of the Salimbeni family. The rear of the building shows signs of its most striking medieval building. Of the two original towers it has remained one and it is preserved the original Fondaco Salimbeni.

In 1419 it was confiscated by the Republic of Siena and partly used as a Dogana del Sale and ufficio di Gabella and after also as a seat of il Monte Pio (Monte di Pietà). In 1866 the building was purchased by the bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena and became its seat. The Palazzo Salimbeni faces a square with a statue of the local religious figure Sallustio Bandini.

Do you know that the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Bank is considered the oldest bank in the world? Today is the one of leading banks in Italy, at the head of the group that puts it among the largest financial institutions in terms of market quota.

The Monte was founded in 1472, at the behest of the Republic of Siena. In an ideal senese, it was the heir of the mercantile and banking traditions of medieval Siena, and developed an affective system of credit to the advantage of the local economy. The public character of the bank was confirmed by the reform of 1624. In 1995, by a Ministry of the Treasury decree, the bank became a public company with the name Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

What this historical and interesting building has to offer you? It has for sure rich Art collection.

What is more the collection belonging to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena is the product of layers of history, of commissions and purchases that slowly, over time, took on the shape of an actual collection.
The major expansion of the collection began in the 1980s, when space was specifically set aside and designed for a museum inside the Bank’s historic Palace in Siena.

The most important are: the fresco of Madonna della Misericordia (Benvenuto di Giovanni); the fresco della Vergine; statues of Santi Bernardino, Caterina of Siena, Antonio and Maria Maddalena (Bernardino Fungai); Madonna con bambino (Giovanni di Paolo); la Rocca Salimbeni e la scala (Pierluigi Spadolini).

It is obvious that you can find here very precious are original documents and archives of the bank. It is like a possibility to ”touch” history. . .

If you are lucky you can enter and get guide tour for free. When ? Every year on first Sutarday of October as well as 2.07 and 16.08 – Palio’s days.

So don’t forget about another must see in Siena – Palazzo Salimbeni when you are in Siena. It is really worth to enter and see!

One day in . . . Lucca !

Let’s say it . . . an autumn came to Siena. However lucky we, it is a very sunny autumn.

Maybe this can be a good time for doing sightseeing in Tuscany.
My suggestion for today is Lucca.

This so picturesque city is situated on the river Serchio in a fertile plain near the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous with Renaissance-era city walls (dated from the early 1500s) that will for sure attract your attention at the beginning. Do you know that the walls remained intact ? ! Now they are the best place to make a walk through a pathway surrounded by lots of trees and greenery. There are more than four kilometers of walls.

But this beautiful city has much more to offer. You will see many medieval basilica-form churches in Lucca with rich arcaded façades and campaniles. For sure the most important are:

– Duomo di San Martino that is surrounded by impressive medieval buildings and originally built in the 12th to 13th centuries;

–Church of San Michele in Foro that was built from the 11th through 14th centuries and has a large Romanesque façade. On the top you will see a statue of the archangel San Michele;

–Romanesque church of San Giusto;

–Basilica di San Frediano which facade is decorated with an amazing 13th century Byzantine-style mosaic. Can you imagine that the church was originally built in the 6th century, however after was remodeled in the 12th;

–Church of Sant’Alessandro;

–Church of San Michele.

As every Tuscany city also Lucca has a big Piazza – Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro that was the site of a Roman amphitheater. Picturesque buildings all around were built during the middle ages. As you can easily guess it is a great place to take a break, relax and of course to drink a coffee. After this you can check many souvenirs shops.

Don’t miss also Piazza Napoleone that is one of the biggest squares in Lucca and was designed by the sister of Napoleon in 1806.

If you like climbing and panorama views you should reach Guinigi Tower – one of Lucca’s 14th century towers. To see great views of Lucca it is necessary to overcome only 130 stairs.

What is more and what you should know Lucca is a city of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini. That is why his home is now a museum with his piano, musical scores, and more Puccini memorabilia (Puccini House Museum).

If you like shopping you will be absolutely not disappointed. The historic city center of Lucca has many shops. A main shopping street is via Fillungo. Here you’ll find all kinds of shops, from food and wine to clothing and household items.

As you can see it is impossible to get bored in Lucca – city that has a lot to offer for everyone.

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Le Fontane Di Siena !

What do you think about it . . . Siena the city of fountains?

Exactly! No doubt for me that fountain is one of the symbols of Siena.

You can be sure that during your sightseeing you will find all around beautiful fontane – large or small, mostly medieval.

Everything is because of history of our city. When Siena didn’t have natural water sources, were built around the city aqueducts and developed complex irrigation systems.

In addition to the fountains and the most important historic monuments like the Fonte Gaia in Piazza Del Campo, each Contrada has its own fountain, which bears the symbol of that part of town and it is used every year to celebrate Contrada’s baptisms.

So let’s start . . .

Fonte Gaia
Fonte Gaia for sure is considered the “queen of the fountains of Siena”. And it is because of location of course – Piazza del Campo as well as because of for the artwork. What is more this fountain was first competed in 1342. However was later replaced in 1419 by that of Jacopo della Quercia and then again by a copy of Tito Sarrocchi in 1858.

The Gaia Fountain of Jacopo della Quercia is one of the most important works of the Italian 1400s and is both Gothic and Renaissance in style.

The fountain is named Fonte Gaia on account of the great celebrations that took place when the inhabitants of Siena saw the water gushing out from the fountain for the first time.
You can easily notice that is possibile to find some episodes from Genesis: the creation of Adam and the Leaving from the Garden of Eden. What is more wolves spouting water represent the mother-wolf of Remus and Romulus. The long section of the fountain is adorned at the centre with a Madonna and Child, surrounded by allegories of the Virtues.

Today this unique fountain is one of main attraction on Piazza del Campo as well as meeting’s point that is easy to find.

La Fonte Nuova d’Ovile
If you like a bit of a climbing I suggest you to visit La fonte Nuova d’Ovile. This interesting fountain you can find in Contrada della Lupa.

La Fonte Nuova d’Ovile was constructed between 1296 and 1303 in the Gothic style. Your attention will attract the robustness of its elegant arches, in sharp contrast with the top long since demolished.

It was built to bring water to Vallerozzi for handicrafts and agricultural uses.
Certainly the view here is impressive, in the background of the charming landscape of Siena.

Fonte di San Francesco

If you will be on your way to Basilica di San Francesco (http://justvisitsiena.com/category/basilica-of-san-francesco/ ) you can’t avoid Fonte di San Francsesco.

This small source, embedded in the basement floor of Via dei Rossi, is located in a bit hidden location with respect to the main path, which ends after a few tens of meters in the beautiful square in the Franciscan convent.

It was connected to the source of Fonte Gaia and supplied water to this area of town where silk weavers and wool workers carried out their activities.
Today this small and original fountain belongs to Contrada del Bruco and is used for baptism.

And at the end if you are close to Fortezza Medicea you shouldn’t miss two fountains. . .

Fontana di San Prospero you will find in Parco della Rimembranza. The fountain is characterized by a large circular basin located along the Fortezza.

And second one in Giardini della Lizza . . .

However as I told you Siena can be considered as a city of fountains. That is why . . .

TO BE CONTINUED SOON . . . 🙂

And for now I send you some photos and wish you happy and sunny week 🙂

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Il volontariato scende in Piazza – Festa del volontariato 2014 !

Is it possible to “measure” the heart of a Siena? That is for sure!

Just yesterday September 13th of course in the heart of our city – Piazza del Campo took a place – “Il volontariato scende in Piazza”!

It was a great event that showed everyone how Siena is rich in people that spend their time for voluntary service. So do I since some time!

And what you should know, it is really worth!

It was an afternoon of music and fun organized by The Cesvot – Delegation of Siena! And everything this was to discover voluntary associations of our city.
Two street band gave concerts (between the booths set up in Piazza del Campo) that attracted a lot of local people and tourists. This of course on Piazza del Campo where, between markets and demonstrations, voluntary organizations had a possibility to showed their own everyday activities.

What is more also Siena 2019 Capitale Europea della Cultura – città candidata was presented with an information point.

However not only 🙂 Just look below 🙂

Che bella Bologna !

I am sure that some of you to get to Siena land in Bologna. It is a great possibility to do sightseeing of the capital and the largest city of the Emilia-Romagna (also known as a place with a long tradition of openness towards diversity and minorities).

I like so much this city and can truly recommend you! Different then Siena, is bigger as well as very interesting because contains a wealth of important medieval, renaissance, and baroque artistic monuments.

Bologna developed along the Via Emilia as an Etruscan and later Roman colony. Because of Roman heritage, the central streets of Bologna, follow the grid pattern of the Roman settlement. The original ramparts were supplanted by a high medieval system of fortifications.

Attention attract medieval defensive towers. The most famous of the towers of Bologna are the central “Due Torri”.

And for sure you can’t miss a main square Piazza Maggiore, that was created in its present appearance the 15th century.This beautiful square is surrounded by the Palazzo dei Banchi, Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio.

What is more Bologna is enriched by its elegant and extensive porticoes. The famous porticoes are nominated as Unesco “world heritage site”! As you will see they make the city of Bologna unique in the world. Can you imagine that there are about 38 km of porticoes in the city’s historical centre?

What is unique – lights and shadows, deep architectural perspectives, different columns and capitals create fascinating and extraordinary urban images. So don’t only miss them: The porticoes of Piazza Maggiore; The portico of the Baraccano Conservatory; The porticoes of Strada Maggiore; The portico of San Giacomo Maggiore and Via Zamboni; The porticoes of Piazza Santo Stefano; The wooden porticoes of Via Marsala; The commercial portico of Via dell’Indipendenza; The portico of San Luca (that is possibly the world’s longest).

What not a lot of us know Bologna has been for centuries a town full of large vegetable gardens and secret gardens among the buildings, with walking spaces in the Montagnola Park and in San Michele in Bosco.  Thanks to the decision of Napoleon (in the early 19th century), Montagnola Park became the first public park in Bologna. The first park outside the city walls was the Margherita Gardens.

If you like shopping you should for sure pass the area now known as “Il Quadrilatero” (where the ancient trade guilds were based), the city’s most traditional commercial centre. It is enclosed by the main squares of the city – Piazza Maggiore, Piazza S. Stefano, P. Galvani, Minghetti, della Mercanzia, Porta Ravegnana and Re Enzo.

 I am sure that everyone of you will find something interesting in this city! And then only Sena bus or train to Siena.

Have a sunny and happy day! 🙂

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Tutte le strade portano a Roma !

Isn’t it so true that all roads lead to Rome !?

Very often also mine.

As I wrote in ‘’ how to reach Siena’’http://justvisitsiena.com/about-siena-2/how-to-reach-siena-2/ one of the possibilities to reach my city is taking bus or train from Rome. The travel takes about 3 hours.

And I am sure that many of you use this opportunity to do sightseeing in the eternal city that is the capital of Italy.

Every time I can’t take my eyes off the symbols of Rome: The Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II; Piazza del Popolo; Spanish Steps & Trinita dei Monti; The Trevi Fountain; Bridge of Angels; the Colosseum; Castel Sant’Angelo; The Pantheon; Vatican City; Roman Forum. Do you have the same ?!

Waiting for the Palio (16.08.2014) send you greetings and postcards from Roma !! 🙂

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Holiday time !

August has already begun!
Another hot and sunny weekend is coming . . .
Most Italians on holiday !

My favorite place to spend unforgettable holiday time is Turkey!

By sending some postcards from Turkey I wish you unforgettable holiday moments wherever you are!

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Concerto sinfonico per il 39° Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte !

Saturday, on 2nd August at 21.30 was very worth to be on Piazza Duomo in Siena.
And again everything was because of music (this time classical music).

For the first time in the history of the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte di Montepulciano the final act of the show was held exceptionally in Siena.

It was for sure an amazing event – symphony concert with 180 musicians conducted by Roland Böer on the occasion of the 39th International Art Workshop in support of the candidacy of Siena for European Capital of Culture 2019(http://www.2019si.eu/index.php/en/). That is why it was important to share the common goal of promoting a new European cultural perspective. Don’t forget that Siena is a candidate city for European Capital of Culture 2019. What you should know the verdict of the jury will be announced in October. So keep your fingers crossed for SIENA !

Our city was during the day surprised by some applauded flash mob organized by the team of Siena 2019 as well as performances of artists and musicians in various corners of the city.

What is more during the concert audience got another surprise from FunDanza family (a cultural association that for 10 years worked for spreading hip hop culture in Siena) that showed an original dance performance to classical music.

I am convinced that Saturday evening was the unique act of union for everyone who had a possibility to be there.

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Ristorante Pizzeria Malborghetto!

There are such restaurants that you want to come back and eat there again as soon as possible. Isn’t like that?

One of them is for me and can be also for you Ristorante Pizzeria Malborghetto (http://ristorantemalborghet.wix.com/malborghetto#!home/c21p) that I want to strongly recommend you today!

I know that for tourists the worst thing is looking for a restaurant especially when we are hungry. That is why you should reach there . . . Because why looking for when it is absolutely not necessary when you are in Siena.

Ristorante Pizzeria Malborghetto (Via di Porta Giustizia 6) is situated in the center of Siena, just behind Piazza del Campo, very close to Orto de’Pecci, in a charming and calm area. Only here you can admire unique and picturesque views such a for example Torre di Mangia.

But let’s write about the food. Here you have an opportunity to taste a big variety of tasty dishes typical for Tuscany: starters; first and second courses (rich in meat and fish); see food specialties.

It is obvious that you can’t miss here a possibility to enjoy an excellent Italian pizza. I can say without doubts that Malborghetto offers one of the best pizza in Siena. I personally recommend you my favorite one that is “Malborghetto” (with Tomato, Mozzarella Cheese, Truffle, Porcini Mushrooms, Grana Cheese).

You can also order and try Ciaccini or Calzoni ? It is of course your choice!

And this everything is with a big choice of local wines . . .

I am sure that you will be charmed by the interior of the restaurant like also by the abloom external part the best for me because of the view!

What is very important I can truly guarantee you that you will be very satisfied with management, chef and waitress that create very friendly atmosphere.

At the end it remains nothing else like to wish you to spend some unforgettable moments in Ristorante Pizzeria Malborghetto!! 🙂

Buon appetito!

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