Toscana & Chianti News
Siena
The mill and the washable paint
For years, the Mulino Bianco (White Mill) family has been the Italian family par excellence. Father, mother, two children and good-natured grandfather, always smiling.
The sky of Siena's cathedral
The Cathedral of Siena offers new emotions. After the discovery of the marquetry floor, depicting a path of wisdom and faith drawn by ancient masters, the Cathedral now opens its doors to the top of its fabbrica.
Ricotta and blueberry Curva Fiesole
This time, the supporters of the Curva Fiesole won’t stand on the bleachers to sing together stadium chants. And, if they will do that, this time their chants will sing for a delicious ice-cream.
A treasure (not) to trample on
There is a treasure in the city of the Palio, Siena, which is regarded jealously, which is not immediately visible but which symbolizes the story of one of the most fascinating places of the city, the Dome, a masterpiece which Giorgio Vasari himself descri the marmoreal floor of the Cathedral, which is normally covered by plates of masonite.
Catherine's faith
Caterina Benincasa, who managed to bring the papacy back to Rome after its time in Avignon, was a woman with a strong character and a resident of the Fonte Branda neighbourhood. She was so religious that not even the devil, who made her fall down the steps that led to Siena Cathedral...
"I Servi" of Siena
If, while walking around Siena, just after the entrance to Casato to be precise - by the street where the Palio enters the piazza - you notice lots of people standing still and looking up, seemingly lost, into space, take a look for yourself at the top of the alley and you'll be amazed. Admire the grandeur of Basilica dei Servi, with the Sienese countryside that embraces everything around it and the rows of cypress trees...
The true heroes of the square
Siena is history, Siena is art, Siena is Palio. One of the most famous horse races in the world, and surely the most evocative, arouses the curiosity of the multitudes every year, but it is the hearts of the Sienese people that it touches the most.
The colours of the Monastery
The best way to approach the wonderful Certosa di Pontignanois to leave your car in the small town of Ponte a Bozzone and head off on foot along the road that leads to the religious complex. This walk covers barely two kilometres amid oak forests and olive groves, which conjures up the right atmosphere prior to entering this place so rich in history.
A riot of colours and aromas
Located along the secondary Via Francigena, which leads from Colle Val d'Elsa to Siena, Castello di Celsa is situated in a rather strategic spot to say the least, overlooking the whole of Southern Tuscany, from Siena to the top of Monte Amiata.
The baptism of Christ
A unique event for the city of Siena: in the crypt beneath the Duomo, you'll be able to admire Titian's masterpiece, The Baptism of Christ, from the Capitoline Picture Gallery in Rome until 31st August. The initiative stems from the association with Roma Capitale, the Office for Cultural Policies and the Historic Centre...
A white wine worthy of DOCG status
On the vast and varied Tuscan wine scene, Vernaccia di San Gimignano occupies a place of great importance, which stems from an age-old tradition dating back to the mid thirteenth century and its objective quality. A wine once treasured by popes and princes, over the centuries Vernaccia has expertly combined the superb quality...
Between one frame and the next
The National Picture Gallery of Siena prides itself in having a double seat and double eyes. The prestigious Tuscan museum spreads across two beautiful palaces: Palazzo Brigidi-Pannocchieschi, traditionally considered to be the ancient residence of the Pannocchieschi family, and dating back to the fourteenth century.
