Archive for 'Siena'

Siena's centre is a historical and cultural treasure trove but when in Italy one of the major attractions has to be the food!

Tucked into corners and down winding little streets, the city has plenty of amazing little restaurants to keep any visitors happy. Here are just a few of the places that are unique to Siena and certainly add to its charm.

Why not find yourself a luxury villa nearby and spend a week or two living the good life – wandering the city, seeing the sights and, of course, tasting the food!

Catherine of Siena was a Dominican tertiary, philosopher and theologian. Born in the 14th century, she began having visions of Christ at the age of five or six. At seven, she had decided to devote her life to God. She resisted marriage as a young woman until she was eventually allowed to join the Dominican Order. She was known for helping the sick and poor and launching reform campaigns among the faithful. Catherine even went so far as to become involved in political matters like swaying the loyalties of cities back towards the papal armies. Her writings spread her word further and gained more followers but she also became known for extreme devotion, eventually dying due to her refusal to eat.

Siena Cathedral, or the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, is a 13th century church in Siena, Tuscany. As it houses works by Donatello, Bernini, Michelangelo and Cimabue (among others) and is one of the main sights in the city, chances are that it is already on many itineraries of visitors to the city. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are making the trip there this summer, there is even more reason to visit the Cathedral.

Each year in Tuscany, a very special vehicle takes magical trips around its beautiful countryside; the Nature Train, or the Terre di Siena Treno Natura. Originally it was established in 1991 under a travel agency. Later, it was handed over to the Val d'Orcia Railway, a voluntary association of retired railway workers and other interested people who ran regular Nature Train services on 15 to 20 holidays during May, June, September and October over the Asciano–Monte Antico route. It has recently reopened after some time of inactivity.

Why not stretch your legs in the lively town of Monticiano?

This pretty part of Siena province is situated on the right bank of the Val di Merse and is included in the Metalliferous Hills nature area that is bordered by several regions.

Visit the local ‘Buca dei Falchi’, a huge cave full of stalactites and stalagmites for a few hours or stroll along the many guided walking, cycling or horse riding tours available around this picturesque town.

The ancient hamlet of Castello di Tocchi is only a few minutes’ walk away and would be the perfect setting to enjoy a picnic meal as you gaze around the peaceful environment of colourful flowers and trees. Sit back and relax in the healing thermal springs of Bagni di Petriolo, a frazioni of Monticiano which is very popular with tourists.