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.DSC05779

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.DSC05775

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;
DSC05728

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;DSC05735

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;DSC05747

Church of Sant’Alessandro;

Church of San Michele.

DSC05757As 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.DSC05760

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. DSC05755

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.DSC05768

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

.

©All Rights Reserved.

Pantha Du Prince + Robert Henke/ Lumiere #2019SI !

DSC05618Yesterday we had an incredible opportunity to participate in the next initiative of Siena 2019, candidate city for European Capital of Culture – Alfa MiTo Club To Club Festival #C2C14. It was an exclusive evening in the prestigious premises of the Teatro dei Rinnovati, that is situated inside the Palazzo Pubblico (Piazza del Campo).

During Wednesday’s evening gave a concert two protagonists of the German electronic scene:
Robert Henke (aka Monolake)– computer music composer and professor of sound design – with its amazing laser show Lumière and
20140924_233028

Pantha Du Prince – producer, composer and conceptual artist for Electro, Techno, House, Minimal and Noise – with his mix of house, techno and dreamy melodies.
20140924_222035

What is more entrance was free, with priority for those who made the booking. I was the lucky one that got ticket. DSC05635

Alfa MiTo Club To Club (http://clubtoclub.it/2014-en/about/ ) is amongst the most appreciated music, art and electronic culture festivals in Europe. It is called also as ‘’the best festival in Italy’’ and ‘’one of the most important in all Europe for electronic music lovers’’. This year will celebrate its fourteenth edition #C2C14 that will take place in Torino from 5th to 9th November 2014, during the Contemporary Art Week.
So if you are in Milano these days don’t miss this occasion!

DSC05639As you can see an event took place in unusual place – Teatro dei Rinnovati. Theatre was founded around 1560 by Bartolomeo Neroni. Today, thanks to a massive restoration’s project (that lasted more than five years), Teatro dei Rinnovati is back to its former glory. The works ensured the preservation and improvement of functional rehabilitation of the building, adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico. The structure, now in line with the latest technology and safety standards of reference, is able to accommodate representations of prose and lyric, with over six hundred seats, distributed among the audience and eighty-eight boxes. The official opening of the new face of the Teatro Rinnovati took place June 3, 2009.

Yesterday theatre was full. And trust me it made this event more special and extraordinary. And who wanted to dance, was dancing 🙂

Nothing will reflect what we saw yesterday, however as usually some photos for you ! Have a sunny and happy day!:)

©All Rights Reserved.

Il volontariato scende in Piazza – Festa del volontariato 2014 !

DSC05526
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”!
DSC05542
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!

DSC05552It 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.
DSC05556

What is more also Siena 2019 Capitale Europea della Cultura – città candidata was presented with an information point.
DSC05546

However not only 🙂 Just look below 🙂

Tutte le strade portano a Roma !

DSC04274
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.

DSC04262And 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 ?!DSC04257

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

©All Rights Reserved.

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

DSC04964Saturday, 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 !

DSC04962Our 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.DSC04961

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.
DSC04965

©All Rights Reserved.

Siena Jazz 2014 !

DSC04878And again we had an event in Siena and again music! What is more important these days will be more music! Can’t be better? I don’t think so.

Just two days ago started Siena Jazz 2014 that will last till 7th August. Entrance for every event is free.

DSC04891I had an opportunity to be on Piazza Duomo yesterday evening. And without any doubts can write that it was a great concert: “Siena Jazz Masters 2014” with eight protagonists of the international music – Avishai Cohen, Mark Turner, Lionel Loueke, Jeff Ballard, Ambrose Akinmusire, Anat Cohen, David Virelles, Matt Penman.

The concert was organized by the Siena Jazz Foundation, in collaboration with the festival “Siena and Star”. This for the 44th edition of the International Summer Seminars that brings together more than 30 faculty-Siena musicians from all over the world.
20140725_225016

If you haven’t been there and seen this unique event in the magnificent setting of the Piazza del Duomo, maybe you will be able to see another concert Siena Jazz 2014.

©All Rights Reserved.

Siena And Stars !

Just yesterday Antonello Venditti opened, with “70th/80th … BACK TO THE FUTURE” “Siena and Stars”, the summer festival which for the second year is a combination of the beauty of Siena and quality of the show.

During this time until August 5 in the Tuscan town will give a concert many great guests inter alia: Goran Bregovic, Ambrogio Sparagna and the Orchestra Popolare Italian, Sonics, the dancers of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Rome Opera Flamenco, Paolo Fresu, Enrico Rava and Siena Jazz.

Beginning of festival with Antonello Venditti on Piazza del Campo (that exceptionally was with free admission) was a big party for Siena and gathered amazing crowd of fans.

Next unique opportunity will be for fans of Franco Battiato (Sicilian singer-songwriter) and will take place on 15th July in Piazza Duomo.

Program and more information about this big festival you can find here http://www.sienaandstars.com/it/#.U8DrG5SSxPI.

And at the end let me show you yesterday with such a huge crowd on Piazza del Campo!

DSC04778

Have a sunny weekend 🙂 !

DSC04779
©All Rights Reserved.

Party On per Siena 2019 !

20140626_222537Siena 2019 – City nominated for European Capital of Culture (Siena 2019 – Città candidata a Capitale Europea della Cultura) made an appointment with a wonderful Party On, the big event that took place just yesterday evening in Piazza San Francesco.

DSC04540Four local bands gave great live concerts. The musicians show opened MK Pisani. Then we could have fun with funk rock group – the Silent Noise. Next was Matteo Frusciante and Lady Ramona revival band, a group that produces mainly covers of big hits rock 60s and 70s. Everything closed the red-hot rock concert of The Dinosaurs, well known for numerous performances unleashed in Siena and province.

20140626_214155However Party On wasn’t just a music event. We were able to admire a great light installations (spectacle of light and 3D animations) that enriched the evening. This was designed by Walter Buonfino (an expert in 3D graphics, video mapping and documentary photographer). Play of lights and lighting installations inspired by the colors and themes of Candidacy was projected on the facade of the Church of San Francesco, transforming the space into sets dynamic and engaging.
The result of this work was an unique explosion of images that excited us an at the same time described through fascinating “stories in motion” the key points of the project application, the magic of a whirling dance of lights, colors and sounds.
It was a spectacular video projection in which the main themes of Siena candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2019 were reinterpreted in an artistic manner.
For sure a unique opportunity where we could admire the artistic heritage of the city.
20140626_221912

What is more during the Party On the staff of Candidacy distributed the new gadgets of Siena, 2019. Like this we could get original bracelet and T-Shirt. Of course I didn’t miss this chance.DSC04559

All initiative was organized to encourage the active participation of young people in the project of Candidacy. It is for sure a crucial opportunity to imagine, discover and build together the future of Siena.

Below I put some photos, however they are absolutely not able to show what we saw yesterday 🙂 This will be one of our priceless memories.

Wish you sunny weekend!The last before Palio that we are waiting for! What is important this weekend in Siena will be a beautiful weather!

©All Rights Reserved.

Amaury Cambuzat plays Ulan Bator

20140406_005817Do you remember Corte dei Miracoli?! I hope yes 🙂 If you don’t know what I am writing about just check it here http://justvisitsiena.com/category/corte-dei-miracoli/.

The last event that took place there just yesterday (5th of April) was AMAURY CAMBUZAT plays ULAN BATOR.20140406_005741.

Founder of the French band Ulan Bator presented, in an acoustic version, all the songs that have marked the history of the group.

The multi-instrumentalist French Amaury Cambuzat founded the Ulan Bator in 1993 together with Olivier Manchion. Over the years, it was going to be a tireless production, which can count as many as ten albums under the brand Ulan Bator.

Since 1996 collaborates with the historical formation of the German Faust; recorded two albums with side-project Chaos Physique and three solo albums. His entire discography collects a wide cross-party consensus, by critics and audiences.

He has worked with well-known names of the independent international scene as Robin Guthrie ( Cocteau Twins) , Michael Gira (The Swans ), James Johnston ( Gallon Drunk , Bad Seeds) , Nikki Sudden ( Swell Maps) , and in Italy with Egle & Sommacal Emidio Clementi (maximum volume) , CSI, Marlene Kuntz, or even recently joined Marco Campitelli ( DeAambula Records) in Oslo Tapes project.

Some more information you can find on official website: http://acidcobra.wix.com/acidcobra .

Also there you can learn that Amaury Cambuzat plays Ulan Bator (Acoustic) is since November 2013 on the tour, that will finish 8th June 2014. Check here if you can participate in one of the remaining concerts: http://acidcobra.wix.com/acidcobra#!about3/c1w3b .

20140406_004913And coming back to yesterday the concert started at midnight. But it was worth to wait and not only for me because in Corte dei Miracoli was very crowded.

All of us had an opportunity to listen his French songs and what is more amazing guitar’s playing. And everything was in an acoustic version. So what you want more 🙂

In summary I want to admit (one more time) that it was certainly worth to be yesterday in Corte dei Miracoli. And if you have a possibility to see one from remaining concerts, you should be there and enjoy it.

And unfortunately like this passes another weekend. Wish you a sunny and happy week!

©All Rights Reserved.

Happy in Siena !

As you probably you know, making a video to this song is so popular now.

Siena couldn’t miss the occasion to show that we are happy here . . . in Siena! On Thursday (20th March) Siena2019 launches video on the occasion of the International Day of happiness.

The video was made for the Nomination of Siena, the European Capital of Culture in 2019 with the participation of the whole community of Siena, who responded enthusiastically to the idea.
The video was directed, edited and shot by MoviementHD di Riccardo Domenichini.

Isn’t it good to start your day with a music, especially with the one that gives you also opportunity to do some sightseeing by occasion?! 🙂 Just only look below:)

Have a happy week !