Archive for 'Siena'

  

Chianciano Terme can trace its origins to the 5th century BC, when the Etruscans arrived and built a temple that was dedicated to the god of Good Health, close to the Silene springs. Those springs and the waters of Chianciano have been a tourist destination and an attraction for their medicinal properties since Roman times and Horace himself is known to have bathed in and imbibed the waters.

Chianciano continued to both draw visitors and function as a regular town over the centuries but, in the 20th century, the springs specifically attracted the attention of developers and neoclassical buildings and facilities were built in the 20s and 30s. In the 40s, the then Fascist-controlled state took possession and destroyed and replaced these, drawing up a new plan under architects Loreti and Marchi. This plan was adjusted by the Town Technical Office of Chianciano in 1958 and eventually passed in 1961 and, today, there is the Old Town and New Town where the thermal spring spas were designed.     Read More

  

Streets of Radicondoli
There is no shortage of incredible and picturesque villages and towns in Tuscany but one of the most charming is Radicondoli in the Province of Siena. Located about 60km southwest of Florence and about 25km southwest of Siena. This pretty, millennia-old walled town is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views over the rolling hills of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

With cobblestone streets, a close-knit community, a delicious locally-sourced local cuisine and sustainable lifestyle, it is home to less than a thousand people and is an idyllic little spot, a world away from tourist attractions and crowds.

This is an authentic and picturesque place that is terribly photogenic and a perfect little enclave to escape to on holidays. Just find a vacation rental in Radicondoli and come discover its charms for yourself.     Read More

  

Rapolano Terme
Rapolano Terme is a charming spa town located near Siena that was founded by the Romans and is still home to two ancient thermal baths, Antica Querciolaia and Terme di San Giovanni, both of which are available to be visited all year round. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind in a pretty Tuscan setting so find a vacation rental in Rapolane Terme and come discover its charms for yourself.

With a small historic centre surrounded by more recent buildings, the town of Rapolano Terme is an attractive and picturesque place set within the rolling Tuscan countryside and surrounded by vineyards and fields. Red tiled roofs top stone buildings with lots of character and, as the centrepiece of the whole town, there are the two beautiful thermal complexes with baths, swimming pools and wellness centres.     Read More

  

Pici Pasta
Pici are a thick, hand-rolled kind of pasta that look a little like fatter pieces of spaghetti and originated in the Montalcino area of the province of Siena in Tuscany. Sometimes referred to as pinci, they are made from a simple dough, typically made from only flour and water, though egg is sometimes added, depending on the recipe you are following. Like with many Tuscan foods, different families have their own tricks and methods that are handed down over the years and, so, some families will use egg and others will swear against it.     Read More

  

Monteriggioni
If you have been planning a trip to Tuscany, why not consider the lovely medieval walled town of Monteriggioni? Located near Siena, this already historic and beautiful town is transformed into a festive gem each summer with its famous Monteriggioni Di Torri Si Corona festival. Just find a vacation rental in Monteriggioni and you can take part in the celebrations and get a real taste of the authentic Tuscan experience this summer!

The festival takes place over two weekend in July each year and is one of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy, which evokes Dante’s famous quote about the town that praises its round surrounding wall, crowned by towers: “Monteriggioni che di torri si corona“.     Read More