Mercato nel Campo 2014 !

The best of the winter – Christmas is coming! Probably in your city you can see it all around. So do I, here in Siena. The history center’s streets are decorated with lights and with a big Christmas tree. This makes a great and unique atmosphere that attracts us to leave our houses in the evening! With pleasure!

And as I wrote last year good moments are passing so fast! But the most important is that they are coming again. Saturday 6th December and Sunday 7th December since 8 am till 8 pm, Siena hosted: Mercato nel Campo. Weather was really good and center of Siena in the incredible crowded! It was hard to move.

As you already know (from last year :)) Mercato nel Campo is a modern market of tradition and excellence of Siena.
On Piazza del Campo were located over 140 sales counters. We had again a great possibility to admire arts of the local artisans that performed their work live and buy handmade goods and unique Christmas decorations.

However we are in Italy and the most important here is of course food and eating. So the most occupied were food’s stalls. Sellers encouraged us to taste and purchase their products! It wasn’t hard because after tasting it was hard not to buy to taste more! Also amazing smell in the air made you for sure hungry! Typical products that is of course cheese (with pecorino ahead); wines; virgin olive oil; huge choice of honey; meats; sweets; pasta; marmalade . . .

After food (couldn’t be inversely of course) we could pass the other part . . . of stalls. There mostly Christmas decorations so this what we need now the most! I wasn’t able to take my eyes off stalls! So we could get something that will remind us that Christmas is so close or something that will be a very nice gift!

These two days were again priceless . . . Now we are waiting for Christmas and for next Mercato nel Campo.

Have a nice and sunny week ! 🙂

Today in Fortezza Medicea . . .

Today in Fortezza Medicea . . . only sun 🙂

Autumn in Siena is beautiful isn’t it 🙂 ?

Have a sunny and happy day ! 🙂

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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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Mercato degli Artigiani!

Are you in Siena? Don’t miss Mercato degli Artigiani:)!

Since today 15th October till 19th October (10 to 19 o’clock) you have an unique possibility to see and to buy traditional arts of Siena’s artisans. This small market of the excellent craftsmanship you can visit in Cortile del Podestà in Piazza del Campo.

You can find here many interesting things that can be great gift ideas – from iron, ceramics, wood, clothes, decorations to jewellery. And what is more this everything exclusively is Made in Siena.

The initiative is part of the project “Mestieri d ‘ Autore” made by the Camera di Commercio di Siena. The project as well as a competition for crafts valuable Senese held an exhibition that will be open until 19th October in the hall of Palazzo Comunale (sala Costumi).

Just look below to realize that is really worth to be there.

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

Yesterday 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

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

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

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!

As 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!:)

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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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Palio 16.08.2014 !

Lucky we that have a possibility to participate in another great day for Siena! Palio di Siena del 16 agosto 2014!

After very difficult entrance on Piazza del Campo and joining huge crowd of people we knew very well that the great event is coming!

And everyone on Piazza del Campo also knew it that everyone of us was a witness of a great race, great rivalry, great excitement, great victory and great joy and fun. So what we could want more . . . !

Yesterday was a day of an amazing triumph of the hero – il fantino Andrea Mari and Contrada del CIVETTA that won Palio di Siena del 16 agosto 2014 and got an original Drappellone made by Ivan Dimitrov (dedicated to the Tuscan poet Mario Luzi)!

From your E-mails I know that some of you have been yesterday in SIENA. I hope you had a priceless day and you got some unforgettable memories. And of course a big passion to come back to Siena soon!!

For all of you especially these that didn’t have chance to be in Siena some photos !

So see you next Palio! Unfortunately we have to wait long time again. . . but of course we will! Con piacere!

And as always greetings from very sunny and very happy Siena!

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