Siena is one of Italy’s jewels – with extraordinary colours, vistas, sights and sounds every where you look. Artists, musicians, photographers, architects and dreamers the world over have been inspired by its beauty and the moment you wander the streets you can immediately understand why. This gorgeous little city is all there for you to enjoy from La Mossa. You are right in the heart of it and can walk anywhere in the old city.
Siena is famous, amongst other things, for its horse race, Il Palio, held twice a year (2nd July and 16th August). The city is divided into 17 contrade (or districts) and each year, 10 of these race in the Palio. La Mossa is right in the heart of the Contrada di Valdimontone. It would be remiss of me not to mention my Contrada del Nicchio which is nearby.
To find out about Siena in general and all it has to offer, check out Siena Online, Virtual Guides to Siena, and the Comune di Siena (Siena Local Government). Siena is a university town. To find out more about L’Universita’ degli studi di Siena (where I did my first degree) you can visit their website.
Many foreign students also come to Siena to study Italian. There are many language schools but the best recognized is L’universita’ per Stranieri where people from all over the world come to complete short courses in Italian language and culture. Its a great way to learn the language and make a whole bunch of new friends in the process!
Siena is also a centre for music recognised throughout Italy and internationally. The Accademia Musicale Chigiana is a renown centre for performance studies – particulary classical music. It is based in one of the most beautiful palazzi in Siena. They also run short courses over summer for international students. To participate you must audition to be accepted, or you can be a “uditori” where you can sit in on all lessons and watch the best at work. If Jazz is more your scene, then Siena is the place to be. The National Academy of Jazz, and Siena Jazz Foundation is based in the fortress in the centre of town. Some of the very best work and teach here, including musicians I have known and worked with for more than 20 years.
For lovers of art and sculpture there is so much to see. For example the Pinacoteca Nazionale has some amazing and important works – of all types – particularly featuring the middle ages. If churches and museums are of interest, Siena has some of the best examples of Medieval architecture and artwork in Italy. To find out more about the Duomo & its museums check out their website.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. If you are into music, art, food, crazy medieval festivals or horses – its a must see destination.