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Montepulciano |
Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte: fondazionecantiere.it In tune with the somewhat unusual spirit of the festival, the Cantiere is to be considered a year-long activity which then finds its preferred, but not sole, public expression during a more concentrated summer season. (H.W.Henze) |
Accademia Europea di Musica (Palazzo Ricci): palazzoricci.com Master classes and concerts. |
Teatro Poliziano: comune.montepulciano.si.it/.../teatro-poliziano.html Built in 1793, it presently hosts a theatre winter season and some of the summer events within the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte; besides, it is often used for non-theatrical cultural meetings etc. |
La Foce (Chianciano) |
Incontri in Terra di Siena: itslafoce.org With its 20 years’ activity, the ‘Incontri’ Chamber Music Festival is now recognized as one of the best and most refined in Tuscany. Internationally oriented from its very beginning, it counts among its performers some of the most interesting and talented artists. |
Monticchiello |
Festival del Teatro Povero: teatropovero.it A showcase for performances related to local history, in the magic scenery of the Tuscan hills. |
Siena |
Accademia Chigiana: chigiana.org In summer, concerts are performed by instructors and students in Siena and surrounding towns, as well as the traditional Settimana Musicale Senese ; while the Micat in Vertice concert season is held in winter and spring. Most of the concerts take place in the palazzo Chigi Saracini. |
Perugia |
Perugia Musica Classica: perugiamusicaclassica.com In September, the Sagra Musicale Umbra offers an interesting programme of classical music. |
Firenze |
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino: maggiofiorentino.com Presently directed by Zubin Mehta, this festival - along with Bayreuth and Salzburg - is among the oldest and best known European music seasons. |
Spoleto |
Festival dei 2 Mondi: spoletofestival.it Founded by Giancarlo Menotti, it takes place from the end of june in one of the most charming medieval towns of Umbria. |
Montepulciano |
Bruscello: bruscello.it Every year, a musical performance in verses is staged on the magnificent cathedral square. Inspired by popular ancient legends - history or folklore - it takes place from august 13th to 16th. |
Bravio delle Botti: braviodellebotti.com On the last sunday of august, this historical barrel race crosses the entire town preceded by a medieval pageant parade. |
Siena |
Palio: ilpalio.org This amazing horse race takes place every year on July 2nd and August 16th. A historical and ancient tradition, it is strictly connected with the origin of the contradas (districts) of Siena; and in no way is it to be intended as a touristic attraction, being in fact - for the Siena citizens - the very essence of life. The race rules date back from 1644, when the first Palio was run, in a continuity that has never be interrupted… |
| Arezzo |
Giostra del Saracino: giostradelsaracinoarezzo.it This evocative reenactment of a medieval joust and fair takes place during the sunday- before-last of june and the first sunday of september. |
Montepulciano |
| Caffè Poliziano: caffepoliziano.it |
Le Logge del Vignola: leloggedelvignola.com This restaurant is known for its famous blend of traditional recipes and nouvelle cuisine, using only fresh seasonal produce and local products. |
Osteria Acquacheta: acquacheta.eu An informal inn, known for its good wine and great food but simple service; one of the favourite Montepulciano restaurants for both locals and visitors. |
La Grotta: lagrottamontepulciano.it Located across the church of San Biagio, this 16th century restaurant has large vaulted rooms and a shadowy garden with a romantic view of the church. |
| Godimento diVino: tripadvisor.com/.../godimento_diVino/.../.html Out in a shadowed little square, or under the vaults of an ancient cellar, Godimento di Vino is the right place - set a few steps away from the Appartamenti al Poggiolo - for friendly lunches or dinners. |
Among the numerous wine cellars of Montepulciano, the two mentioned below are particularly interesting for their quality wines, history and architecture. |
Cantina de' Ricci: dericci.it This beautiful medieval cellar is considered to be a true temple of wine. The main hall is divided into three longitudinal aisles by enormous pillars, which support round arches and groin vaults. These huge spaces, properly ventilated, allow for the the ideal temperature and humidity through the year round. |
Cantina Contucci: contucci.it The basement of palazzo Contucci dates back to the 13th century as part of the first ring of the city-walls. Its vaults protect one of the most interesting historic cellars in town, where the barrels, laid out on three levels, offer a spectacular sight. |
Something about the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano Strada del Vino Nobile: stradavinonobile.it Nobile di Montepulciano: nobiledimontepulciano.com Consorzio Vino Nobile: consorziovinonobile.it |
| Monticchiello |
La Porta: osterialaporta.it This small tavern is located by the single ancient city gate of Monticchiello, a charming medieval village. Comfortable and familiar – typically Tuscan - environment. During the warm season it is possible to eat in the terrace, enjoying a wonderful view over Pienza, the Orcia Valley and Mount Amiata. |
| Lago di Chiusi |
Il Pesce d’Oro: ristorantepescedoro.it On the shores of the Lago di Chiusi, this restaurant offers a range of menus based on the catch of the day. |
Montepulciano |
Weekly market:Thursday morning, close to the bus station. |
1st of May Fair: a most amazing traditional fair that spreads throughout town. |
Arezzo |
Antiques Market: This monthly event, which takes place on the 1st weekend of every month, is well known in Italy for its commercial importance and also for the natural beauty of the historical centre of Arezzo. |
Asciano |
Pottery Market & Herbs: Organic products are sold in the town’s historical centre, from oil and honey to medicinal herbs, as well as local crafts. |
Montalcino |
Jazz & Wine Festival: in July, the beautiful 14th century fortress is used as a stage for national and international jazz players, as well as for wine tasting. |
International Honey Fair: This fair is devoted to all products having to do with bee-breeding. It takes place during the 1st weekend of September. |
Pienza |
Cheese Festival: This true celebration of Pienza sheep cheese takes place on the 1st weekend of September. |
Radicofani |
Medieval Pageantry, and medieval dishes, are presented on the last week end of July. |
San Giovanni d’Asso |
White Truffle Festival: This precious tuber trade show, set in the basement of the 14th century castle of St. Giovanni d’Asso takes place in November. |
San Quirico d’Orcia |
Oil Festival: This festival presents a variety of Tuscan olive oils. First week end of December. |
Italian for foreigners: ilsasso.com |
This school has a 25 years experience in teaching Italian culture and language to foreigners. Located in a central and historical building, it has 8 classrooms, 1 conference hall, and a panoramic terrace. Free Internet Point and WiFi access. |
Cookery classes: leloggedelvignola.com |
The classes, individual or for small groups, lasting 1 day or more, teach how to prepare fresh pasta, homemade bread and a complete menu, including wine tasting. |
Tennis courts: in Montepulciano - via di Martiena 1 |
Swimming pools: in S. Albino (3 km) and Chianciano (6 km) |
| Fahrradverleih: in Pienza (10 km) cicloposse.com |
Country, 20 km from Padua and 50 km from Venice: frassanelle.it |
Florence: casadeitintori.it |
Mugello hills, near Florence: villa-collina.com |
| Country outskirts of Perugia: villaaureli.it |
Maratea: illicini.it |
