Happy holidays!!

It's that time of the year again. Time to wish all our friends, colleagues, visitors and Tuscany lovers all the best for this Christmas and holidays.

 

 

The market in the Campo

The Campo in Siena is probably one of the most beautiful squares in the world, and it has always been very special for the people from this city, because since the early middle ages all sorts of civil, religious, and festive events have take place - preachings, jostling, horse races, etc. Until a few decades ago there was the city market - still a great event for the citizens every Wednsday. And today and tomorrow we will be reliving the times of the market in the campo with local food of the area. There was a nice Christmas atmosphere. Items for every taste: handcrafts products, delicatessen, the traditional and delicious Siena’s Christmas sweets. As usual Siena is very generous: not only the city has offered to us its amazing beauty, but also its colors, delicious smells and music. Have a look at the pictures, and enjoy!

Photos by Monica Tarloni

November 30th Festival of Tuscany

We would like to share with you this interesting opportunity to people, who will be in the area of Florence tomorrow, but also to those who are planning a trip in the future (who knows you might get lucky and visit this beauty).

Friday, November 30, 2012
FESTIVAL OF TUSCANY: SPECIAL OPENING OF THE LARGE CLOISTER OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
The Large Cloister of Santa Maria Novella was built

in the 14th century, thanks to the generosity of a few noble Florentine families, and is decorated by a fresco cycle depicting the Life of St. Dominic and of other Dominican saints, executed between 1570 and 1590 by over 15 painters from the Accademia. Since 1920, it has been part of the Marshalls and Sergeants School of the Carabinieri and is normally closed to the public, but is viewable on the occasion of special openings and of community festivities. Access to the Large Cloister is included in the entrance ticket to the Museum of Santa Maria Novella.

Location: Museum of Santa Maria Novella, Piazza della Stazione 4, Florence
Contact: http://www.museicivicifiorentini.it/smn

Just a reminder about our history. Tuscany officially joined Italy in 1961 after an election, so there were no battles required like with the Kingdom of Naples or the Vatican State. Until that time there was the Great-dukedome of Tuscany, the first state ever to revoke capital punishment. We're proud of our heritage and proud to share it with people who come to visit.

Wine exhibition "Vino tra mito e storia".

Hello there lovers of wine, of beautiful landscape, art, history and traditions. Out here the autumn is raw, pouring rain and all. But let's not forget about beauty. The exhibition that will be on until May 5th 2013 in several museums around Siena might help in this hard winter times. It's an exhibition that connects wine with the history of Siena. Let's not forget that Brunello, Chianti and Nobile di Montepulciano all come from this area, so if you like red, you need to know all about them.

Click here for more info, and... see you 'round!

Look for the beauty around you

Especially during spring. Start looking out of the window, take walks outside, be in the sun. Get the most from this wonderful season. This is what spring brings us in Tuscany!

Snow

This is usually one of the best views of Siena but with this snow it's even better!
And following are some other cool pictures of our beautiful city in snow.

Best wishes for the Holiday Season

All of us guides from Guide Siena e Oltre wish you Italian food, art, and culture lovers all the best for this holiday season. We also hope all the best for your future.