Experience Tuscany

The flags of Palio of Siena are the protagonist of the La Città del Si, City of Yes, to celebrate the seven hundred years of Costituto Senese. The exhibit was inaugurated on September 26th 2009 at the Santa Maria della Scala in Siena with the title “The Dream of the Middle Ages”.
To create the exhibition many elements were recovered that tell the story of the Palio and the seventeen contrade. The Palio flags on show present interesting iconographic elements both graphically and structurally. The meticulous and careful restoration lasted more than three years.
The flags are part of the collection of Frederick Stibbert that on April 20, 1884 purchased from the merchant Gaetano Basetti seventeen silk flags. Twelve were placed at the center of the ceiling of a hall of his villa called the “flag hall”. The other five are still being searched for.
Some bear the manufacturing date, such as the one of the Panther made in 1826, the Giraffe in 1828 and the Goose in 1859, in addition to the initials or full names of the authors.
The original flags were replaced in the hall of the museum with faithful reproductions of silk, made by a Dutch specialist firm, and can now finally be admired by visitors as a sort of anticipation to the future museum of the Palio.
At the Santa Maria della Scala you will also find the ongoing exposition of the carrocci, the chariots, used iduring the historical parade of Palio. In particular, it is possible to admire the one designed in 1928 as a sort of triumphal chariot enriched by five panels on which are painted the seventeen Contrada through ancient allegories worthy of a miniaturist.
Frederick Stibbert was born in Florence in 1838 to an English father and Italian mother. He was educated in England and was a famous collector of art, weapons and armors from all ages that he collected and arranged in his villa on the Florentine hills. The property, together with the park that surrounds it, was given to the City of Florence by his will in 1906 at his death. Today his prestigious residence is the home of the museum dedicated to him.
Stibbert remained attached to his house in Florence, bought by his mother, Giulia Cafaggi, and home of the family. In 1859 he came into possession of a huge wealth, which he kept maintained with great commitment and vision, taking advantage of his multiple nature of international financier, passionate collector and traveler. Indeed, for nearly fifty years, in order to complete the project of his life, the transformation of Montughi villa into a museum, he could easily control the antiquity market across Europe.
His collection, about fifty thousand pieces, was collected between 1860 and the end of the century, and is composed of paintings from various eras, a large number of pieces of armor, swords and guns, especially from the Sixteenth and Eighteenth centuries from Italian, German and French schools.

For more info on the Palio flags exhibition please contact Phone: +39 0577 292340, email: urp@comune.siena.it
The exhibit is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12,30pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 4,30pm

The emotion of the Palio of Siena awaits you! There is nothing more mesmerizing than the atmosphere in Siena during the three days prior to the Palio. Thanks to “The Unforgettable Palio di Siena” contest you will be able to live these three days like a Sienese does. The prize is indeed three days in the city with a prime ticket for the Palio and a dinner ticket to live the grand dinner prior to the Palio day in one of the districts of the city, also called contrade.
Each contrada has its own people that was sworn in through church blessing and remains part of that district for life. The night prior the Palio the city streets of each district become a large restaurant with thousands of people sitting at long tables where wine, food, and typical chants fill the air in a festive and emotionally charged atmosphere. You will be in the middle of all the people belonging to that contrada and feel part of them for one night!
The next day you will of course take part in what is perhaps the most exciting event in Tuscany. Usually it is extremely hard and expensive to find Palio tickets, especially in a good position such as the one awarded through this contest. You will be sitting right near the start line, the hardest and most expensive tickets to find. The visual from there is the best not to miss anything of the race, and you will enjoy the crucial victory moment when the exulting people of the winning contrada come to claim the Palio, the painted banner that will be hung in their museum with all the others.
How nice will be to get to know Siena in a deep way to return to your wonderful hotel accommodation. A superior room for two people in a B&B with all comforts.
Participating is extremely easy. You just need to go here and complete the easy puzzle after the usual three seconds registration. After completeng the puzzle you will be asked to insert more details about yourself and then you are ready to get extracted and win this wonderful prize. For more info on the prizes, please visit this page.

Please click here to view or hide the contest rules, or visit this link.

Good luck!

From February 4 to the 7th Florence in Tuscany is hosting the 2010 Chocolate Fair in Piazza Santa Croce, in the heart of the city. The yearly event is much awaited by chocolate lovers. Even if one does not have a sweet tooth, the fair offers many events and stages to learn more about chocolate and entertain visitors in the splendid setting of one the most beautiful squares of Florence. A fun and welcoming atmosphere awaits you. The almost 40 artisans of chocolate from all over Italy are ready to welcome you with their creations and innovations.
The chocolate fair starts on the 4th, but it will be introduced by a dinner at 9pm on the evening of the third of February with cocoa as the main spice or ingredient. If you would like to participate, the price if 35 euros per person including beverages at the Ragazzi di Sipario restaurant, and reservation is mandatory at info@fieradelcioccolato.it
On the 4th the fair will open at 10am with a photo gallery on chocolate workmanship and one on cocoa cultivation in Cameroon. At 3pm you will be able to taste chocolate through a guided sampling on the history of chocolate titled “When Cocoa Became Chocolate”. Free of charge, limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. The evening will be over with an interesting vegan aperitif titled Chocolate Vegan Finger Food.
On the 5th the day will start on the Santa Croce parvis, where participants will be given a gentle gymnastics lesson followed by bread and chocolate offered to all. Limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 4pm will follow a demonstration of chocolate in cuisine titled “The Simplicity of Chocolate” with tastings. Free and limited to 20 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 7,15pm the Teatro della Pergola in Via della Pergola will accommodate those who love to dance.
The day of the 6th will start again with gentle gymnastics on the Santa Croce parvis. Followed by bread and chocolate, limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 2pm on the same parvis there will be a Medieval Sward Challenge simulation, that will actively interact with spectators. At 7,15pm the Teatro della Pergola is again open to dancers.
February 7th, the last day of the fair, will start at 11am in the sampling area, where 4 chocolate master will be interviewed on the art of chocolate-making. Free samplings will follow. At 3pm in the same sampling area will be staged a demonstrations on the consistency changes and temperature contrasts of chocolate during the elaboration process. Free but limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it.

Chocolate is good for your mood, heart, blood pressure. Florence is good for your knowledge, romanticism, sense of beauty and relaxation. You have no excuses not to be at the chocolate fair in Florence!

Here some pictures of the 2009 edition:

Abbazia San Giusto al Pinone
The abbey is a remarkable religious building example from the Twelfth century. It was the seat of a small monastic community. The outer walls of the church testify to its long phase of construction. The arch of the portal and the mullioned window in green and white marble over the door were influenced by the Romanesque style from Prato and Pistoia. The crypt, which has undergone restructuring over time, is remarkable and only accessible from the outside. This abbey was of considerable importance in the medieval period since it was located on a primary route. A curious detail about the abbey is that during the winter season the bell, called “the Lost”, served the purpose of guiding pilgrims and travelers in distress.

Abbazia di San Martino in Campo
The imposing and elegant apse structure is on the fringes of a thick forest. In 1140 it was already mentioned as a Vallombrosan Monastery. Suggestive primitives depicted on pillars in cloister and the remaining traces of numerous frescoes that decorated the interior of the church. On the beautiful sandstone portal from the Fourteenth century, is set the emblem of Matteo Frescobaldi, then abbot of the monastery. In the sacristy there is a fresco of the Florentine school depicting an enthroned Virgin Mary.

Former Soffena Abbey
The Abbey of Soffena was built in the Eleventh century. It rises on the ruins of an ancient castle, of which only traces remain to these days. From 1090 began the work of transformation and the walls were all frescoed. At the end of the work the Pope Eugenius IV granted special sin indulgences to those who had visited the new Church of San Salvatore in Soffera. In the early Eighteenth century the Abbey was adapted to the style of the time. All the frescos were whitewashed and replaced with altars and stuccoes in Baroque style. When Leopold in 1779 redistributed many holdings of the Vatican to the people, the building was sold to private individuals who devoted it to various uses. The Abbey was soon reduced in a state of abandonment that lasted until it was acquired by the Italian government, and it underwent a restoration that began in 1960 and was concluded in 1968. The whole building was interested in the restoration, which have also recovered the original and important cycles of frescoes found under the Baroque stuccoes.
The former Abbey is a monument open to visitors. It contains important frescoes from the late Gothic and early Renaissance. After the visit inside the church, a side door leads to the elegant cloister renewed in all its parts.

The map to ind the Abbeys near Prato and Arezzo:

View Abandoned Abbeys near Prato and Arezzo in a larger map

It is said that on the Ponte della Maddalena, or Magdalen Bridge, which links the two shores of the Serchio river (the one that flooded parts of the province of Pisa and Lucca around Christmas of 2009) near the town of Borgo a Mozzano, the builder of the bridge himself in 1300 of shook a pact with the devil. He would have been able to finish the work on time with the help of the devil in exchange for the unfortunate soul of the first unlucky being that crossed the bridge. But the priest of the village had an idea. He suggested that the first to cross the bridge should have been a pig, and so it was, leading the devil to disappearing in anger for the scorn.
This is the legend that gave the name to one of the most beautiful and fascinating bridges of Tuscany, the Ponte del Diavolo, or Devil’s Bridge, one of the many mysterious symbols of the Garfagnana.

This land wedged between the Apuan Alps and the Tosco Emilian Appennins, has always been considered magical, for the many stories and suggestive places that characterize it.
Among the crown-jewels to visit in the area is the Grotta del Vento, or Cavern of Wind, an incredible underground complex where you can admire the surreal landscape designed by the secular stratification of the soil.
Going up the limestone gorge of the Orrido di Botri, or the Horrendous of Botri, which are canyons formed by the flow of two streams, you can find incredible natural pools surrounded by silence and nature. If you walk up to reaching 200 meters of altitude you might even be able to encounter a golden eagle.
You must be lucky to see the shapes of the belfry or even more so to walk through the alleys of Vagli. The village was indeed submerged by the artificial dam of Vagli. Only occasionally the basin is emptied for maintenance, and the village can see the daylight once again. The now very old people that grew up there and had to leave the village in the Fifties go back each time they can to revive their memories.
Browsing along in Garfagnana it is impossible not to stop in Barga, also recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy by the Touring Club. It has been the last refuge of the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli, who he dedicated to this town some of his most beautiful verses and whose house still today is open to visitors.

One of the most famous squares in the world dedicated to the great Florentine artist, it is a must see for scenarios that are unique and unrepeatable over the historic center of Florence. The skyline of the view starts with the profile of the Church of St. Cross, one of the greatest achievements of Italian Gothic and continues with the monumental facade of the National Central Library. Among the red rooftops of the city emerge the imposing Brunelleschi’s Chappel of Florence’s Cathedral, the elaborate bell tower by Giotto and the medieval tower of Palazzo Vecchio. In one glance all the magnificence of the Italian Renaissance. In this scenario framed by the winding Arno, able to increase the charm of the place with its many bridges. The charming Ponte Vecchio and the elegant Ponte Santa Trinita, decorated with marble statues. A landscape without equals, a fascination enhanced during the evening and night. The sunset lights up the profiles of palaces, the river and the bridges stand out in the darkness and silence of the city, transporting the viewer in an unsurpassed romantic atmosphere.
Piazzale Michelangelo is the most famous panoramic spot over Florence. The square is dedicated to one of the most important artists of the Florentine Renaissance, Michelangelo Buonarroti. It can be accessed from Viale Galileo, Michelangelo avenue or from Piazza Poggi climbing the stairs of the monumental Rampe del Poggi.
The construction of the square was part of the urban renewal when Florence became the capital of Italy. Works started in 1873, and the square was completed two years later. The designer, the architect Giuseppe Poggi, thought the entire square as a monument to Michelangelo. The neo-classical loggia was proposed as a museum where to bring together all the works of the great artists of Florence. Eventually the idea of the museum was no longer valid and in 1876 the lodge was immediately turned into a restaurant-cafe.
Behind the restaurant “La Loggia”, a staircase leads to the Franciscan church of San Salvatore al Monte alle Croci, an important Renaissance building that owes its current appearance to architect Simone del Pollaiuolo. The facade has a stark appearance and at the same time graceful. Inside you can see a deposition attributed to Giovanni della Robbia and a Pieta attributed to Neri di Bicci.
The esplanade offers various recreational traits, with many restaurants, cafes and bars of class. Piazzale Michelangelo can be considered the panoramic terrace of Florence par excellence, a favorite destination for residents and tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful Florence from a lovely view. Furthermore, especially during summer time the Piazza becomes the theater of the most important shows and big concerts.

In Livorno, a land of flavors, sea and culture, you can enjoy the incredible view of the Tyrrhenian Sea through the winding promenade which ends with the Terrazza Mascagni. A terrace, a great square facing the coast of Livorno, donating a breathtaking view. An enchanting sight that allows you to capture the various shades of blue that connect the sea to the sky with a set of indescribable emotions at each sunrise and sunset.
Characteristics are the black and white floor tile, like a giant chessboard, the balustrade consisting of numerous small columns and the Palco della Musica, a beautiful circular temple which once hosted concerts and events. Built in 1925 in honor of Costanzo Ciano, the architecture was not at all affected by the artistic principles of the fascist period.
The Terrazza Mascagni is a point of reference for the Livornesi and visitors alike. The walk from here to the Academy is a unique experience to enjoy that also allows for a deeper understanding and knowledge of the city of Livorno as on the promenade you will see palaces, gardens and historic buildings that are part of the history of this city.

The enchantment of Livorno continues with its canals. The Medici tour of the canals on board of a boat is an opportunity to get to know Livorno from an unusual and suggestive perspective. Navigating through the waterways you will discover an original and distinctive city, with its forts, palaces, churches, bridges and wine cellars that open their doors on water, evidence of an ancient import-export tradition of the city.
The tour starts from the Statua dei Quattro Mori, the work of Pietro Tacca, located in Piazza Micheli and dedicated to Ferdinando I of Medici. The statue symbolizes the victory against piracy in the seas of Tuscany, represented by bronze statues of the four prisoners in chains.
Another impressive place that tourists will be able to visit during the boat tour will be the historic Fortezza Vecchia, an elegant fortress resulting from the many overlapping architectural additions through the centuries. You will also visit the Mastio di Matilde, of which remains the base, the cylindrical tower and the Quadratura dei Pisani. The most impressive part of the tour is the visit of the Venezia district, located in the historic heart of Livorno and designed in the Seventeenth century like an island crossed by bridges and canals. This is very lively for the presence of typical restaurants. It becomes even more spectacular in the summer during the “Effetto Venezia” festival, full of entertainment, good cuisine and typical markets.
For more information and booking contact: phone +39 348 7382094

This castle is a piece of important architecture and was commissioned by the German emperor Frederick II of Swabia. The castle is the only example of Swabian architecture in central and northern Italy and was built by Sicilian architect Riccardo from Lentini between 1237 and 1248. The plan of the castle is square, and it was was strengthened at its corners by square towers, while other towers are placed in the middle of each side: those located on the east and south sides of the walls have a peculiar pentagonal plan, while those on the other two sides were incorporated from a preexisting palace. The latter towers originally used to be much higher and were used as lookout points The limestone structure is crowned by a ghibelline-style battlement with a “dovetail” crenelation restored in 1933.
Frederick II has never been in Prato, but the fortress was inhabited by his vicar in Tuscany. He had the task of protecting the road that connected the Holy Roman Empire to Southern Italy and Sicily through the passage of the Apennines. The symbols of the Swabian empire are the lions carved on the sides of the gateway. During the Fourteenth century the Florentine government transformed the building into a military garrison and prison, connecting the castle to the walls 12th century walls via a covered walkway. From the inside it is possible to access and visit the courtyard and the rooms of the towers. A ladder inside the tower on the corner allows you to reach the eastern upper walkway that runs along three sides of the perimeter. From here you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city monuments, the hills and the surrounding plain. Inside the towers are hosted interesting contemporary works of art. During summer time the castle becomes an open space for events, concerts and outdoor film view the space used at events, concerts and outdoor film screenings.
The castle can be visited on weekdays and holidays, it is closed on Tuesdays. From October to March it opens at 9am and closes at 1pm. From April to September it also opens in the afternoon from 4pm to 7pm.
The castle is partially accessible with wheelchairs, and the ticket is 2 euros and a half.
For more info call +39 0574 38207

Being in Tuscany during the Christmas holidays offers new surprises everyday. Each year new events and happenings enrich the already furbished line of traditional appointments that make of the Tuscan region the perfect place to spend your winter vacation.
This year there are some special places to be, especially towards the end of the year. Towns with bonfires, town celebrations, perfect to combine the modern enjoyments with the traditions of Tuscany.
If you are going to be around Santa Fiora on the Amiata Mountain, the advice is to stick in town during the nights of the 30th and the 31st. Santa Fiora is indeed the only town in Tuscany that celebrates the new year two days in a row. The first day, the 30th, relieves ancestral fire rituals bound to the changing of seasons and other charismatic properties that in the past have been attributed to fire. On this night huge pyramids of chestnut wood are piled up in Piazza Garibaldi in town and let to burn all night long. While the fires warm up the air and donate quite an impressive ambient to the whole town, stands with typical food, like roasted meat and wines, will be open. Dances and music will be possible until 3 am, thanks to the local city band. Hurry to rest a few hours, because you will have to be ready for the second New Year’s Eve celebration, that of the 31st, with fireworks and dances.
Still on Mount Amiata Christmas Eve in Abbadia San Salvatore renews the magic of the ancient traditions when the town was ruled by the Abbott. From 6 pm the huge wood pyramids are lit and burn waiting for the midnight Mass, just like it used to happen when the whole town of Abbadia gathered in the streets to pay the legions to the Abbott. The fires would warm them up and renew the relationships among villagers. Just like in the past, the people of Abbadia, and tourists as well, enjoy the fascinating spectacle that the fires offer, sing pastoral chants bound to the mountain tradition, and exchange cordial chats. From 9 pm the backpipers start playing Christmas songs, while the living Nativity scene and shepherds create a magic atmosphere. There are tens of wooden pyramids all over the town, and they burn until dawn. Of course all this time in the streets of Abbadia will be accompanied by roasted meats, wines and other local delicacies.

During the Holiday season there is nothing more romantic than to visit castles and beautiful country villages in Tuscany. The little town of Campagnatico offers both. With just one day trip you will be able to have a full and rich experience of this portion of Tuscany, its history and culinary traditions.
Campagnatico itself includes several interesting spots to be visited. Since the town was a fortified hamlet, the walling is still very much present and visible. In some parts the walls have been surpassed and covered by houses, which give the real sense of history and the passing of time. Like many other medieval dwellings, the walls present doors in the four cardinal directions, of which one pointing south to Rome, and one to north, towards France. The church of Saint John the Baptist was built at a later stage compared with the walls, and uses one of the many crenelated defense towers as its belfry. Opposite the church is the Rocca Aldobrandeschi, of which only ruins remain to these days.
The surroundings of Campagnatico also include other fortresses and castles to visit.
The Monte Leoni castle is one of these. Its existence is certified in documents of 1188. After a quite unresting history, the Pannocchieschi family conquered it in 1262. Soon after the castle was abandoned and started going into ruins. Unfortunately to these days only ruins of it are left as the legacy of a glorious past. Definitely worth a visit for those who want to have the real feel of the passage of time.
Not far from Monte Leoni is the castle of Stertignano, another building that has not stood the toll of time and is now in ruins. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit to realize the building characteristics, such wall thickness and materials used, of the castles of this area. Needdless to say, here one breathes the disgraced history that characterized this castle, that passed through the hands of many important families from 1274 onwards to be abandoned in 1370 and returned to the countryside in 1438 by the state of Siena.
Finally the most important castle is Montorsaio, today blossomed into a hamlet of greater proportions than the usual fortress. The location is wonderfully set on a hill covered with woods. It is a very ancient castle, as documents mention it already during the 8th century. Just like the other two castles, Montorsaio belonged to many powerful families, however all under the dominion of Siena, which reinforced the bastion with a newly made keep. After other passages of property the Medici got hold of the castle in the 16th century. The more strategic importance of the castle explains why throughout the centuries it has been maintained, reinforced and preserved, saving it from the ruin like its neighboring fortresses.

Here the map of the area with the three castles:

View Campagnatico and Its Surrounding Castles in a larger map