Archive for 'Siena'

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.

Siena province would offer your vacation a fantastic array of exciting places to see and things to do. Why not choose from a stunning range of holiday rentals in the Siena area and begin your trip by visiting Siena city.

There are many enticing monuments and cultural attractions to see in the province’s capital so perhaps the best place to start is the magnificent oval shaped Piazza del Campo. Framed by buildings like the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, visitors are sure to lose themselves as they gaze around this curved piazza of such beauty!

If you’re in Siena around the dates of the 2nd July and 16th August then you’ll be able to witness the famous Palio di Siena, one of the most exciting events in the entire Italian calendar! This thrilling horse racing event takes place in Piazza del Campo which is covered in sand and each of the city’s districts are represented by a horse and jockey.